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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



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THOUGHT THROBS. 



■/ 

/ 

BY / 

CREEDMORE FLEENOR. 



' I do not care 
For boding shadoies oj a mind distraught. 
Life is loo full of evils that are real. 
Of pangs that stir the lips to anguish wails 
ll'hich well nigh ears of sympathy confound 
hi rendei ins. deeds of mercy : wherefore cro'wd 
hnagined ills upon the real? drown voice 
Of need with cry of puling cowardice f " 

Halcyone, Part I, Sc. 3. 

" Alacli the day, indeed, ivlien Truth 
Must give apology for speaking trutli ! " 

Ibid., Part I, Sc. 5. 

NOV 3-2 1892 

LOUISVILLE : 

JOHN P. MORTON AND COMPANY 

1892 



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Copyright by C. M. Pleenor, 
1892. ^w -, 

All rights reserved. .• ' i 



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A WORD WITH TOU. 



The word-joinery of an unknown scribbler now lies 
within your own hand : see if its thoughts are mortised 
to suit your taste. Its author asks little, expects little, 
and may possibly get even less; but in the event its 
publication is paid for, nothing is lost. It was his to 
do; it is yours to judge of that which has been done 
and fix the gauge of public opinion. He only wishes 
to remind you that this begins with his earliest, and 
ends with his latest; comprising all — with one trifling 
exception — of his attempts at verse composition, so far 
as he has gone : and he hopes to add very little in the 
future to such efforts. It is arranged in the order of 
its production : "A Tale " being his first attempt, and 
"Halcyone" still a-borning; in his brain. 



CONTENTS. 



FRAGMENTS OF A TALE 1 

Morning 1 

A Birth 1 

An Infant's Griff 2 

Thf Stamp of Time 2 

A Mother's Drkam 3 

A Shade i 

A Mother's Pride 4 

Live On in that Sweet Dream ! 5 

The Bitter Truth ') 

The Manger Babes 6 

O Doubt ! 6 

Another Morn 7 

A Bridal Day 7 

Marriage 7 

Eros and Psyche 8 

O Woman ! 9 

Love's Drkam 9 

Forbear, Tormenting Thoughts. 10 

Bright-eyed Hope 10 

A Storm 11 

Remembranpe. 11 

The Mystery of Man 11 

The Gray K 13 

ThERK WTI.I. I?K (tRIKF 14 



vl CONTENTS. 

FRAGMENTS OF A TALE.—CoNTiisruED. 

Whence Woe AND Happiness? 14 

Faith's Reward, .15 

The Wise are Blind, IT) 

Hope's Balm, .' 15 

The Leprosy of Wealth, 16 

Fickle Friends, 16 

Providence, 16 

Death, 17 

THE LIFE OF DESPICABLE TOM 20 

MISCELLANEOUS, 67 

Lost, 67 

Sunset in the Eockies, 72 

On the Street, 73 

Unrealized (A Picture) 75 

Obiter Dictum, 77 

Nothing To Do but Grow Languid and Love, 80 

Consolation 82 

The Elements, . 82 

CONEMAUGH, 88 

PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM, 115 

How Speaks Philosophy? 115 

How Answereth Life! 117 

The Siren Song, 119 

The Answering Song, 121 

The Bacchanals' Song, 129 

Song to Dionysus, 184 

Love, 140 

Beauty, . 148 

Scorn, 153 

Pity's Story, 160 



CONTENTS. vii 

PASSION'S PANDEMONIFM.— CoNTiN ued. 

Gloom. ,. . 16!S 

Faith 169 

DOTJBT, 17H 

Despondency, 198 

Keproach 20-t 

Hope, 208 

Hate, 217 

Despair, 225 

Mockery, 230 

Madness, . 234 

Storm Spirits, 238 

Abandon, ' 242 

Truth, 245 

THE SHADOW BRIDE ! . . 254 

HALCYOXE, 279 



THOUGHT THROBS. 



FRAGMENTS OF A TALE. 



MORNING. 

The little church-bell souuds a joyous peal : 
The morning sun puts on his brightest smile ; 
The little flowers peep, as elfins might, 
From their rich-scented beds in nappy green, — 
The dew-drop tear of yesternight not dried 
As yet from out their pretty eyes which speak 
And blush their modest greeting and their love. 
Birds softly twitter in the leafy boughs, 
And happy maids, in sweet accord and praise. 
Vie with the bii'ds ; the fullness of their hearts 
Attuning voices to the songs of love. — 

A BIRTH. 

A Life is come 
Into this world new molded from its God ! 
A soul breathed into pliant clay and left 
Imprisoned there, — in that cold clod to live 
And feel the jars of racking worlds, the spurs 
Of fleeting Time, which goad the frail thing 
Onward to flights as swift, e'en to the end, 
When, like the cow'ring shadows of the Day 
Lost in the gloom of Night, that Life is come 
To Darkness and to Death ! — 
2 



THOUGHT THROBS. 



AN INFANT'S GRIEF. 



Weep not, wee mortal ! thou love-centered thing f 
Thou canst not know aught yet of love or pain. 
Thy heart is moved with but one stroke, smooth, sure — 
No throb has stifled breath, nor gasping fear : 
Hope is not balm supreme to thy young soul 
As to those seared in life, who, ills and griefs 
Alone of all the world's rich gifts, have known ! 
Thy past is naught ; thy future all ; yet blank 
To wiser heads than thine, the curtain is 
That hangs between the Now and the to Come ! 
No Sibylline books lie open to the Wise, 
In which to trace the circling path of life ; 
No Delphic shrine, rich offers to receive. 
Stands near to balance gifts and wise portents ; 
And those fair-speaking Oaks Dodona grew, 
Are now forever dumb, or else their words. 
Like to the prophecies of that vain maid 
So treach'rous to her Lord, "are doomed to doubt 
And unbelief. Cassandra yet is she. 
Who speaks with boastful faith of aught to be. 

Why should it weep ? Hath it not time to cry 
When sorrows come? When that the heavens briglit 
Shall be o'ercast with clouds of dark Despair, 
And hungry Pain shall gnaw the bosom bare ? 
Mock not such grief with tears an infant sheds! — 

THE STAMP OF TIME. 

Look on it now ! Some years have flown since we 
Beheld it last in the pure waters bathed 
Of the sacred fount: from the rippling waves 
Uprising as an Eros fair new sprung 
Of Aphrodite ! Years which have wrought much change ; 



FRAGMENTS OF A TALE. ?. 

Each in its flight heaving some impress clear 
To mark its course, tlie which the coming years 
Blot out with careless hands to leave the Past 
The slough alone of all its boasted fair! — 

A MOTHER'S DREAM. 

The mother, wrapt in deepest reveries. 
Gives thoughts their sway : they dwell in cheerful dreams 
On what it is and what that child shall be: — 

Born rich in much, chance shall not find him slow 
To grasp its shifting reins, and Time shall mark 
A re.ady step, quick as his own swift gait ! 
Companion fit for Honor, shall he be, 
This " Mother's little man," and on his lips 
Shall hang the favors of the wise and great; 
While yet a bright, swift beam shall flash his eye 
To send a ray of light into the dells 
Wrapt in the dismal night of old Deceit. 
Sweet love shall be the slave of his bright smile 
And find its own reward in woman true — 
The noblest of her sex and fair; and Man 
Shall hear drop from his tongue yet sweeter words 
Thau Nestor spake, or none before had heard — 
With wisdom fraught ; such that as would become 
The oracle of God ! — A pretty dream ! 

Now upward to such heights she sees him rise 
Upon the wings of Fame, well seated there 
The envy and the pride of all mankind ! 
But rugged is the way that upward trends, 
And stern the duties that the footsteps guide ; 
While paths to self-destruction — broad and wide ! 
But will not Mother lend a helping hand ? 
Can she not him direct and courage breathe 
Into his soul, such that would scorn all doubt 
And wav'ring fear? his thorny patliway strew 



THOUGHT THROBS. 

With flowers of true love, those pricks to sheath ? 

Or call in Cheer to bear him company ? 

Yes, surely will she see him there, erect, 

The marvel and the spirit of the age, 

The wise respect of every man to claim ; 

And as a beacon light on high to shine 

Upon the world beneath, while to his flame 

The rarest virtues draw — which, like night-moths, 

Shall flutter in the light his flashing soul 

Will cast into the darkness of the Night! — 

A SHADE. 

" The sleep of no Endymion shall weigh 
Thy eye-lids down, or coyly 'lure thy mind 
Into the arms Forgetfulness out-holds 
Enticing rest, since a Selene stern, 
More real than any fabled Queen of Night, 
Decrees it not ; and for that dreamless sleep 
Which then beguiled his senses deep, fixed is 
The lot of man to cruel consciousness 
Of all that moves around him, rousing up 
A world of wrangling doubts and futile wants." — 

A MOTHER'S PRIDE. 

No weeping Niobe with stony stare 
Can fright the pride that swells a mother's breast : 
A fate no less severe than hers it takes 
To bow the head of any of them blest ! 
And well it should. Scorn be to her who holds 
The child of her travail less in esteem 
Than Leto's, though that angry Dame should gird 
The world with rocky mounts whose crowns would touch 
The blue ethereal zone that spans the sky — 
Changed of the forms of those whose soulful love 



FRAGMENTS OF A TALE. -', 

Transcended all their fears! Thus was it moved, 
This mother's heart, and thus she dreamed sweet dreams, 
And saw her own ambitions crowned in this 
Bright child. — 

LIVE ON IN THAT SWEET DREAM ! 

Live on in that sweet dream ! 
Let not old shad'wy Doubt thy thoughts disturb, 
Nor cause thy heart of faith yet to despair 
Which comfort finds in promises of Hope. 
Call thou the vengeance of the Gods to smite 
Him down who would, with base intent, unlock 
The quiet chambers of thy peaceful rest 
And stride within ; with baser purpose still, 
Shift to the mocking winds those visions bright, 
Of thy sweet slumbers born. Thrice happy he 
Who snugly lies lock'd in the arms of Sleep, 
And 'mid the crashing sounds of jarring Facts, 
Which shake the very groundwork of our laws, 
Hears naught, but calmly dreams Ambition's thoughts, 
That castles frame and deck to please the wish ! 
To hold the ready paint-brush of good Hope 
With which to tint the wicked face of Life, 
'Twere no bad thing, if viewless such might pass 
And wake within us no wild horr'ring sight. — 

THE BITTER TRUTH. 

Yet see ! Crime's vortex in its madd'ning whirl, 
Yawns wide a hissing mouth that swiftly draws 
Into its circling eddies all who move 
Within the limits of its dang'rous sphere ! 
Respecter of no person, or of rank, 
When once the current strikes the Drift of Life, 
Like some fierce, rav'nou? thing, it gulps all down 
To Hell !— 



THOUGHT THROBS. 



THE MANGER BABES. 

Think of that Babe within a manger born, 
Destined to mark an age of love divine — 
Think ye that all who see the light of day 
First from a Bed of Straw will rise so great 
That man for generations long to come 
Will bow before their sacred memories? 
Each day beholds them born on beds of care ; . 
Each rising sun looks down upon their rags 
And pestilential squalor, rank and foul ; 
Each passing breeze bears to the ear of Peace 
The sounds of cruel strife, — fell din of Hate ; 
Each night is but a dismal Shade in which 
The arm of Death is hid, with dagger clutched, 
Keen and murderous to our fondest hopes ! — 

O DOUBT! 

O Doubt! why wilt thou come to mock our faith ! 
Why wilt thou come to fright away our cheer 
And set to brooding grim Despondency ? 
Know'st thou no peace, nor wilt let others taste 
The sweets of life untouched by thy foul hands, 
Though heart and soul and life itself doth plead? 
Thou guilty thing! leave off thy smirking guile. 
Which would of earth create a Hell and damn 
The soul of man to blackest misery — 
Thy sinful self a moment short to please ! — 
Yet one thing 's true : Thy horrors Hope can cheer 
And paint with brightest tints as thou with gloom, 
The great Unknown. And happy may it be 
That in this world of strife Nature has hung 
Before the blinking eyes of man a shade, 
To hide the Future and the ills which are 
In store for him, and which to know would make 
His life of care more miserable still ! 



FRAGMENTS OF A TALE. 



ANOTHER MORN. 

Another morn, so balmy, bright, and fair : 
Nay, typical it seems of that first Day 
In Paradise, when the Eternal One 
Of man's poor meaner part created Eve, 
And stood her blushing red before her lord. 

A BRIDAL DAY. 

Is that a bridal chamber which we see ? 
Where Prodigality is deck'd so rare, 
And favors hang on smiles of Gallantry ? — 
And this? A bridal day. Whoso to wed? 
That bright and winsome youth now grown in age 
And strength to sturdy manhood, whom beheld 
We last in childhood's dainty smock and bib. 
At mother's knee, then, prattling, playing man ! — 

MARRIAGE. 

Whether in the rank and file of lordly wealth, 
Where sit bright Beauty, Health and Wit to smile 
On hearts in happy culmination crowned; 
Whether in the lowest slums of that drear life 
Where vile and squalid Poverty is found 
E'er brooding o'er its ills to basely hatch 
A progeny of Wretchedness and Pain ; 
Whether in the Desert wild, by other feet 
Untrod than those of that yet wilder man 
With barb'rous beads and gaudy trinkets hung : 
In ^ons past, in time to come, in that 
Most deeply felt by all, this constant Now — 
This marriage is, and was, and will e'er be 
The one supreme, the one fair happy hour 



THOUGHT THROBS. 

Vouchsafed tlie life of all; nor birth, nor deaths 
Effecting more the welfare of mankind ! 
When Love found Love this mutual mating was,. 
And ever since our parents first were joined 
In sacred wedlock 'mong fair Eden's shades — 
Presiding then the sanctity of God — 
The custom 's come to bless with chastity 
Our love's sweet union here, and all the trusts 
Of future ages yet unborn. — 

EROS AND PSYCHE. 

A story goes indeed — 't is found in lore 
Of old — that when bright Love first woo'd (unseen 
Himself and only felt through love) the sweet 
And modest Soul, she listen'd to his words 
And took him in her trust; the which he did 
Repay most bounteously in joys. He took 
Her to his Palace grand, he showed her all 
Its beauties of which she would be mistress 
To use them as she wished ; but one restraint 
Alone was set upon her will : She must 
Not wish to look upon her Lover's self! 
All had been well had Doubt withheld his taunts 
And pictured not a monster of her Love. 
What if the tales which she was told, were true ? 
Her thoughts bestirred by Doubt's bemocking shades. 
She seized a light and stole upon her Love 
Asleep ! She found him fair, yet doomed to grief ■ 
Was she, for guilt did hang upon the act. 
And she a slave "to Darkness then became 
To serve in bondage for her willfulness ! 
'Mong us hide Eroses while Psyches seek. 
And lives are wrecked for want of trusting faith 
In those we choose companions to our lives ! 
And thus the story comes of doubting souls. 
And thus by faith and love are they reclaimed. 



FRAGMENTS OF A TALE. 



WOMAN ! 



O woman ! Creation's fair complement 

Of man ! Meed of his virtues and to love 

A mother true ! Without thee what a world ! 

Thy need was man's first want most sorely felt ; 

Thy love the one reward his heart so craved 
'Mid all the glories vain of his poor state ; 

And whether as companion to that man 

In Eden placed, thou wast created first, 

Or as the gift to Epimetheus, — 

Fair handiwork of all the mighty Gods 
• Of Heaven high and the vast Deep beneath — 

Man offers thanks to Him from whom thou cam'st — 

Pandora of his ills. Eve of his fall ! 

How vast thy sphere! Beyond its bourne who lives? 
' Life's trackless waste is but thy absence felt ! 

From birth to death creation's woes are thine, 

And thine the gentle hand that soothes their pain ; 

From death to birth again thou art the tomb 

To buried sorrows and thine eyes the fount 

Of salty tears whose cooling drops doth fall 

The purging comfort of a grief pent heart! 

Well did the ancients fable thee Proud Queen 

Of Heaven's mighty hosts, with Zeus to sit 

Upon Olympus high : — companion fit 

For gloomy Aides and his Realms of Hate ! — 

Fair Temptress of the earth and all mankind ! — 

LOVE'S DREAM. 

They dream, and through those dreams come fairer sights 
Than Earth has yet combined in scenic range 
To feast the beauty hungered eye of man ! 
Not though the old famed vale of Tempe's self, 



10 THOUGHT THROBS. 

From Ossa's crest, were stretched out to the view, 
Its expanse rich in vernal glow and bloom, 
Its velvet bosom by Peneus ploughed, 
Meand'ring there, his banks all overgrown 
With Laurel trees, bright blooms on every twig 
In charming modesty upturned, and whose 
Clear waters flash to the observing eye. 
The fi'ry rays of Phcebus, as he climbs 
His daily course : nor though we were where hung 
The moon when on fair Latmos' heights it looked 
Upon the plains below entranced in sleep ! — 

FORBEAR, TORMENTING THOUGHTS. 

Now who will break this Idol of their dreams? 
What impious wretch will conjure up wild sights 
Most horroring and ghastly to the gaze, 
Simply to fill a peaceful heart with doubts 
And cheat the mind of all its cherished hope? 
Iconoclastic hands should yet beware 
To lay an impious touch on images 
That can incite a good in all mankind, 
Or break an idol now that holds a dream 
In which a spark of human comfort lies. — 

BRIGHT-EYED HOPE. 

Still, bright-eyed Hope, 
Like Astraea of old, yet rises high. 
Star-like in the firmament of Despair, 
To shed some glimm'ring ray of its soft light 
Athwart the nadir of the sombre Night ! 
And with that light it seeks the eye-lids closed, 
Up-prises them and stirs within the thoughts 
To dreams^then, iridescent life becomes 
And free from all enshrouding haze or glooom ! — 



FRAGMENTS OF A TALE. 11 



A STORM. 

Dim twilight lurks on threshold of the day : 
A dark and low'ring cloud o'ercasts the west 
And shoots athwart the sky swift, threat'uing rifts — 
Dark harbingers of an approaching storm. 
Birds flit uneasily in homeward flights, 
Veer'd here and there by strong and shifting winds, 
And twit and wail distress abreast the tempest's blast ; 
Cows low to frightened young, and horses prance 
And neigh, and now and then the doleful howl 
Of some poor homeless dog breaks on the ear. 
The air is stiller grown, and denser, too, 
The gloom : twilight so fades in night. The Wind 
Now holds its breath, subsiding in a roar 
That dies among the trees, while Silence deep 
And Fear, steal on apace, naught breaking them 
Save the deep rumbling of the Thunder heard, 
Now far, now near, as o'er the clouds he strides 
Along. Flash after flash of Lightning's fire 
Oleave wide the air with glittering sword. — 

REMEMBRANCE. 

As we have seen it last, the image lives 
Within us and the ravages of time, 
Leaves memory blank. Strip thou the heart's beloved 
Of outward garniture, tear then from frames 
Their tender flesh, and their pale skull and bones 
May bleach unhonored in a common heap. 
While we, with careless step and unwet eye, 
Will pass them by, mistrusting not our sight ! — 

THE MYSTERY OF MAN. 

What changes find we here ? We first beheld 
Him at his birth, strong in his nurse's arms. 
And loud in cries raised then for that of which 
He nothing knew ! Next, was he grown in strength, 



12 THOUGHT THROBS. 

And age, and understanding, claiming what 

The youth of every age when man's estate 

Is reached, contends for: that fair woman's love 

Who shall with him through life bear company. 

But now ! — O Time ! is this thy handiwork? 

V/hat thaumaturgic art hast thou to wrought 

These marv'lous changes with ? What addest thou 

To Babyhood to mould the lusty youth ? 

And whence that thought profound, that vig'rous strength 

And fair proportions grown from tender shoots? 

Those thousand other adjuncts, which to Youth, 

Make up the Man ? What means a birth ? What means 

This growth ? What means this sad decay ? — Nay ; mark ! 

Let 's have it in a word : — What is this Life, 

And from whence come? — The Sage and Fool have this 

Same question put remotest JEons past! 

But who has answer got ? Democritus ? 

His world of chance and floating Atoms can 

In name alone exist, or in the dreams 

Of some wise man ! while yet the Sentient-self 

Awake within us all, above all soars ; 

Unfathomable smiles its face bespreads 

O'er such vain platitudes ! Buddhistic thought 

To this we add and what a life it were ! 

Is Motion all, and its cessation, Death ? 
Though universal Stillness may be peace. 
Peace is not Heaven yet for all our hopes ! 
The heart for other pleasures still doth long, 
And joys not to find itself of Naught. 

The Kosmos of great Plato, was a dream, 
Unreal and too fanciful for trust ! 
Old Epicurus and his Heaven filled 
With its indolent Gods, to Faith is void 
As that dark Night which harbingers no Dawn ! 
Then is the Nous of Aristotle all 
The world has yet discovered of its cause ? 



FRAGMENTS OF A TALE. Vi 

The one angelic light let through a rift 
Of Heaven to guide the wandering steps 
Of blinkard man, too frequently itself 
Occulted by his doubts? The same vague sounds 
Which first the question formed, reverberant, 
Return ! — If all that is once came from Naught, 
To Nothing may it not some day return 
And pay the pains of life in mute rewards? 

Philosophy, what is thy depth, and what 
Hast thou discovered in thy pryings past 
Into the inner woi'king world ? — Life is ! — 
The Heavens and the Earth this loud proclaimed 
Ere that the ebbing waters did recede 
Into their channels, leaving fecund mud 
For germs to wiggle in ! or ere the Sun 
Had kissed the roseate crown that Pisgah raised 
To overlook a Land of Promise fair! 
And where the marvel first begun, there must 
It end ? Has Science, then, no more to say, 
Or aught to add to this first thought so crude ? — 
In this confusion now a Germ is found ! 
A Prototype it is ! grand Axiom 
Of all belief ! foundation stone to build 
Upon and frame our hopeless Theories ! — 
Thus are forms patterned now : Great Axillae 
All limbs and shapes bestow ; Inheritance, 
Recurring traits; and Motion, then, all growth I — 
How clear ! — Biology a science is : — , 
And man ? — a hapless fool ! — 

THE GRAVE. 

Cold is the ground and damp, 
But full of quiet rest to weary souls 
That have with hardships struggled to succumb 
At last to that inevitable doom 



14 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Which yet awaits all perishable things! 
And yet the Grave is but a bed of Peace 
In which the panting Soul, so late released, 
Journeying to its Father's kingdom, steals 
A moment's sleep, and fresh before its God 
Appears. — 



THERE WILL BE GRIEF. 

For those departed life there will be grief 
As long as Love has being or the heart 
Knows aught of sympathy ; and it is well : 
Not that it calls to life again the dead. 
But that the heart it chastens by such grief, 
Awakening the mind to vanity, 
And all its fleeting hopes eyjhemeral! 
Then will it seek again some comfort sweet, 
Then will it fortify 'gainst sorrow's sting. 
Then will it find some balm or potent charm, 
That will foi'ever ease its pining heart ; 
Then will it hear the voice of Duty speak 
Condolence kind and soothing to the ear. 
To find an echo sweet in bosom here. 
From God resounding, lifting up the veil 
Of Doubt, which shadow-like engulfs the soul : 
And o'er the low-bowed head of man, thus point 
A moral true to guide him on aright ! — 

WHENCE WOE AND HAPPINESS? 

Does happiness spring from the ills of those 
Who suffer ? or comes solace to us, fruit 
Of the vile tree of Human misery ? 
Peace breeds its like, and nowise from travails 
Of Sin, does joy or rich contentment come. — 



FRAGMENTS OF A TALE. 15 



FAITH'S REWARD. 

O God ! Is Faith repaid tor its brave trust 
In coin of promise, wliich at the hour 
Of death, fated to all, can only say, 
"I know not!" whilst Universal Silence 
An everlasting Nothing darkly hints?— 

THE WISE ARE BLIND. 

Vain Learning with its doubts all faith 
Has overcast, e'en of those most devout, 
And all the world is hiding 'way a Shade! 
To fools alone. Death wears no hateful face, 
And fools alone are frightened with it< stare !^ 

HOPE'S BALM. 

But in this age of universal cant. 
And 'mid the frenzied shouts of Faith and Doubt, 
Which war with fury great, Hope yet is heard 
Above the din, in clear, sweet iootes: — of Death, 
A hoary Charon would it make to bridge 
The Styx of Life ! — O thou incongruous Hope ! 
Abashed to come again support of Faith? — 
Thou art the priceless gift that yet remains 
Of God to cheer poor, fallen, doubting man ! 
Thou guid'st the mind as in some "Grotto" hid 
From all the world's wild cares and cruel Fact, 
Where Dream and Comfort stay, and Slumber's couch 
Unrivaled is by any drowsy bed 
Found in that sombre Palace where in past 
Good Hypnus dwelt! — 'Tis sweet to be with thee 
And feel thy guidance in this life's long night, 
And be unloaded by thee of the weight 
Of all our worldly ails — to rest in peace 
And quiet sleep, eternal though it be ! — 



16 THOUGHT THROBS. 



THE LEPEOSY OF WEALTH. 

Now Rumor whispers much, and foul Report 
Bespeaks frail confidence in man who has 
An eye for lordly wealth ! More is he curs'd 
Than Leper here whom death alone relieves ; 
For false at heart it makes him live and gives 
His soul to Hell in death, tormenting there I — 

FICKLE FRIENDS. 

O Shame! let fall thy curse on those mock friends 
Whom Plenty shoals ! Let them e'er taste of gall 
More rank and bitter than this brimming cup 
Held to my lips contains ! — What do I say? — 
Am I unjust and hard ? O Hate! begone ! 
Teach not the sinful heart such wicked thoughts 
That damn all faith in human charity! — 
Say, friends? — Ah, hollow mockery, vain thought! 
Inviting Shades of bright sunshiny days 
That follow every passing cloud away. 
While in the winter's gloom their shadows fall 
With little comfort on the freezing earth ! — 

PROVIDENCE. 

Produce the world enough for those to live 
Upon that through its fecundity have come ? 
Or spawns it teeming life like some poor cod — 
Millions, for only one to then survive 
The fierce life struggles waged among them all ? 
Ah, strange it is that some can grasp and live 
On all the richness of the earth, their needs 
To gross satiety supplied, their hands 
All lavish in wide waste, while others born 



FRAGMENTS OF A TALE. 17 

The same as they, with hands aud limbs to match, 
And vitals, too, are yet here doomed to want 
And quick decay ; the sustenance of life 
Withheld from them, aud all their suflF'rings mocked! 

DEATH. 

" I am the one ubiquitous, great Dread 
Of all things animate ; nor fairy dell, 
Nor spot less small or great within the world, 
Or worlds conceived within the broad expanse 
Of all the Universes which God's will 
Doth sway, but feels my presence and my sting ! 
Omnipotent I am, and power sway 
O'er life most vigorous, which must obey 
My will ; and by my stroke must fall at last — 
To earth ! — I strike alike the weak and strong. 
And dissolution is my duty bound ! 

" When I was not vain Learning can not say ; 
For so remote is that dim period 
Deep buried in old iEons past, that fact 
Is lost in doubt and Order and all Form 
Run into Chaos wild to antedate 
My birth ! — A brother to sweet Sleep I was 
Once thought, e'en courted then for rest as he; 
But Thanatos I am no longer known — 
Sweet God of Peace that down the eye-lids weighs 
In sleep eternal ! That grim smile which lurked 
Long o'er my face, unseen by those who knelt 
To me in Euthanasia's bright hope, 
Bespreads it now, too glaringly for eye 
Of cheerless man, who falls into despair ! 
My arm about good Hypnus' neck still hangs. 
But with no broth' ly cling, since that the rest 
He would bestow, I yet disturb with dreams — 
Not of the pleasant sort ! — but with base fear 
3 



18 THOUGHT THROBS. 

And wild torment, I wrack his thoughts at will, 
In expectation of he knows not what ! — 
This drowsy brother mine, would fain refresh 
The being sunk, bestowing lease of life. 
While I the sluggish flame would quickly snufiF, 
And of the Slumberer make rot and clay ! 
Creation is my share and I its doom ; 
And naught shall cheat me of my ofierings ! 

" Dreams of those happy Aidenns pictured once 
By rife Imagination's blended charms, 
Shall not beguile man long though strong in faith; 
For yet a shoreless Gulf, impassable 
And dark, it pleases me to open wide 
And let curl up from its depths, bottomless, 
The fulsome smoke of Hell's delusions rank ! 
That Al Sirat across the dark abyss 
Of Hell once thought so stretched, to souls the way 
To Heav'n beyond, is broken now, and dashed 
Below in fragments irreparable ! 
Such is the fate to which proud Learning brought 
This Moslem dream ; and that vast Hegira 
Of souls redeemed, will find the "narrow way " 
No more — but off to me, still stumbling, fall ! 

" To wreck the joys of life it pleaseth me ; 
And if before my willing hand doth fall 
To devastate, I can some Ate set 
To stir Dissension up and fiercer Hate, 
My purpose is well done ; and to this end 
Doth Wisdom help me out when that his hand. 
As here, iconoclastic proves to Faith 
Built yet upon the fancies of a Dream ! 
And all the bloody wars with battles fierce 
That foolish man has with his brother waged, 
To me has been the sum of happiness ; 
For thus I sooner gulp them dowai, and man 
Is servant to my wish ! The guilty arms 



FRAGMENTS OF A TALE. 10 

Abaddon open holds, he helps to fill 

With shrieking souls to perish in their clasp ! 

"A Paradox I am of good and bad, 
Androphagous beside, as ye may know : 
Life is my dam but to me feeds her young — 
She and old Time begetting to destroy ! 
And Growth, of all the rest, my enemy 
Most fierce, for he fights long and breeds delay — 
Yet even he, at last falls to decay ! 
All pains and aches, or cataleptic strokes. 
To my keen appetite are ministers, 
And it was never sate ! Health I abhor-, 

• And only give it leave to procreate 
Its kind, my fixture wants to fill ! The cry 
Of Age is music to mine ears, and clear 
It saith : 'To thee I come at last, than whom 
Above all else, I fear, since that I know 
Thee not, nor can yet guess thy punishment! 
And Ignorance a Devil in thee sees, 
More fearful than in sober mind thy name 
Can conjure up: and, too, untypical 
Of aught on earth we all acknowledge thee ! 
What of thou art, the human ken is blank ! — 
Still must we come, reluctant though and slow. 
If only that we can ! ' And answer I : 

' But bide my will, and I will to you soon 
So snugly come, that years will seem as days, 
So swift the flight of Time from Dawn till Dark ! 
All would I have to share with me my Realm, 
And learn its ways so intricate and dark ! — 
The secret ye shall know when ye have come, 
Ahasuerus like, all wand'ring to my shore !' " 



THE LIFE OF DESPICABLE TOM. 



SPAT I. 

I. 
Smooth is the road of life to those 
To whom Love shows the thorn and rose, 

Together growing on one stem ; 
And proves its care for their welfare, 
By sheathing thorns whose pricks are bare. 

And plucking blooms for them : 

n. 

But rough that path which winding, trends 
Among the rocks that life subtends, 

To reach a goal in pain, 
Which faithless pays for all the toils 
And hardships borne ; the life turmoils 

To end — Death to reclaim ! — 

III. 

Let this preamble deck my tale : 
Which keep in mind ; and if I fail 

To tell it as I ought, 
Fill out the blanks it justifies. 
And hearken to the plaintive cries 

Raised by the victim caught! 

IV. 

Fate destined Tom to find the route 
That winds among the rocks about. 

With ne'er a guiding light ! 
And when he came^-you see I must 
Begin my story early : trust 

Me then ; I '11 tell it right. 



THE LIFE OF DESPICABLE TOM. 21 

Y. 

No prospect grand, nor omen fair, 
Bespoke for him that he should share 

Such peace as love bestows ; 
A cruel Fate bequeathed him hate, 
A life of strife, which soon or late 

Would end him in its throes! 

VI. 

If Fortune rippled once a smile, 
Or wicked wag once dofF'd a tile 

To welcome him to earth, 
Such was not known, and true it is, 
Biography is loath to quiz 

Concerning his low birth ! 

VII. 

Born in this world, it was his fate 
To find that he had come too late : 

His kind was well supplied ! 
A narrow sphere it was for all, 
And others did his place forestall — 

This much was well descried ! 

VIII. 

Of course this was no fault of his ! 
Who said it was ? but sure was this : 

He suffered all the same I 
And soon his life was thought de trop, 
When old Fate cried, "Then let him go !" 

And this was how it came. 

IX. 

All helpless was he gathered up. 
Ere sun of life was fairly up. 

Or oped his great eyes were, 
To look upon the world around. 
Wherein rank Hate and Strife abound 

To battle Hope with Fear ! 



22 THOUGHT THROBS. 

X. 

Or ere he knew whereof he was, 

Or dreamed indeed, of "A First Cause," 

That helpless had him left — 
" Creating naught in vain," but yet, 
A life bestowing to forget! — 

Of this world's goods, bereft ! 

XI. 

Then he was put in basket crude, 
Along with others, mewling, rude, 

Whose claws with zeal were used ; 
Together were they carried off" — 
None knew the whence, nor dreamed whereof 

His life this world abused ! 

XII. 

In doubt they lay not very long, 
Nor in the basket, rude and strong, 

But grasped in turn was each ; 
And lifted from the mewling crew, 
He felt himself — but yet how new 

Experience was, and speech ! 

XIII. . 
Nine days had scarcely come and gone, 
Since that, to them, eventful morn 

Wherein their lives begun ; 
And now the hapless waifs — oh fie ! 
Are worthless, judged and doomed to die ! 

So short their race is run ! 

XIV. 

But stop ! Let Tom this story tell ! 
For this you all must know full well. 

It was, withal, his fate ! 
And this beside, 'twere well to know : 
He of them all alone reached shore 

And can the tale relate : — 



THE LIFE OF DESPICABLE TOM. 23 

XV. 

" I felt myself with others grasped 
And held aloft while firmly clasped, 

How high, I could not see ; 
But this I know: The cries below 
In distance lost much of their woe — 

Here blindness aided me ! 

XVI. 

" Yes, blindness aided me, for could 
I then have seen myself I should 
Have died from fright, I know, 
Ere there within the pond 1 fell 
For waves to float and wind propel 
Me to the distant shore ! 

XVII. 

^'Aloft, a whirl was given me, — 
The arm swung back, and set me free, — 

And through the air I went! 
Like trifle hurled, or rocket shot 
Aslant the sky, it was my lot 
Some whither to be sent! 

XVIII. 

" Whiz ! — went I forth ! My breath I caught ! 
To hold it hard I knew I ought, 

But winds proved stranger yet ; 
And struggling still, I sank me down — 
I knew not where ! — but soon I found — 

Myself was cold and wet ! 

XIX. 

' ' Splash !' — I must say it sounded strange ! 
But stranger still, cold waves did range 

Along my back and played ! 
It was experience new to me — 
The which, I think, you '11 all agree ! 

I 'd strangled if I 'd stayed ! 



24 THOUGHT THROBS. 

XX. 

'' But to the surface I did rise, 
And what was then my glad surprise? 

My eyes had open come ! 
And all the world beheld I there — 
The earth so green, the heavens fair! — 

And I was overcome !" — 

XXI. 

Poor, homeless waif! to be o'ercome 
At sight of that where beauty's sum 

Is but a mirage seen 
Reflected from a glassy wave. 
That fain to him would prove a grave 

And drown him in its sheen ! 

XXII. 

Yes, despicable Tom, your fate 

The world had left to Scorn and Hate,- 

To fix it as they would! 
And there misfortune found you fast 
And so resolved that ere the last. 

Earth's charms to see you should ! 

XXIII. 

Oped has misfortune many eyes. 
Which, peaceful, slept 'mid bitter cries, - 

A mocking world to see ; 
And once the veil to grief removed — 
Behold ye Sorrow ! meek, reproved ! 

Too helpless all to flee 1 

XXIV. 

Such fate old Tantalus once served — 
He, who of all men lived, deserved 

To set a banquet grand 
Unto the Gods, who feasted there, 
Unconscious all that such good fare 

Was flesh of slaughtered man ! 



THE LIFE OF DESPICABLE TOM. 25 

XXV. 

Yet why should Tom, like Tantalus, 
Behold earth's beauties dangling thus? 

He had no Gods deceived ! 
But fruitless now to ask the cause, 
Or try explain this stranger " clause " 

Which Faith has long believed ! 

XXVI. 

Too true was this : Tom saw beside 
The earth so green, the heavens wide, 

A restless, rolling deep. 
Whose distant shores he scarce could see ! 
And frightened so, he prayed to be 

Rocked in its waves — to sleep ! 

XXVII. 

His new-oped eyes he closed again ; 
To struggle, too, he ceased, and then, — 

He thought himself sure lost! 
The waves, all careless still, did roll. 
And on a sandy, barren shoal, 

Him there they angry tost. 

XXVIII. 

And there he found himself — not dead ! 
And bitter tears o'er this he shed, 

To think what might have been ! 
But mocking these there rose the thought, 
" Had not his whilom friends thus sought^ 

To drown him in his sin ?" 

XXIX. 

Or if Tom was too young to think 
And moralize, or e'en to shrink 

From Death's eternal sleep; 
He can but still let us supply 
Such thoughts as would to heaven cry, 

Or sunk in grief, so weep ! 



26 THOUGHT THROBS. 

XXX. 

There was he stranded on a shore ; 
The waves had dashed away with roar, 

And left him weak and cold : 
And lying there upon the sand, 
In sight of bush and weedy land, 

Hours pass'd ; as ages told : 

XXXI. 

The sun looked down upon him there, 
And dried and bristled up his hair. 

And breathed him courage, too; 
And then there came a pang more rude- 
It was the stomach's cry for food — 

Now what was Tom to do ? 

XXXII. 

He rose to find all nature bare 
Of sustenance for him to share — 

Or so it was there 'round ; 
But ere despair had settled quite. 
He ran across a sorry mite — 

Some stay had hunger found ! 

XXXIII. 

It was a birdling fell from nest 
And killed below upon the crest 

The pointed rocks upheld ; 
There many ants and insects fed. 
The which Tom drove away and said: 

"I'll try this for a spell !" 

XXXIV. 

This scanty bit to hope gave strength. 
And body too ; and so at length. 

Surrendered full to fate, 
He then and tliere resolved to fare 
Upon his fellows, and to care 

Alone for self and hate ! 



THE LIFE OF DESPICABLE TOM. 27 

XXXV. 

The lesson taught him bitter was, 
And shook his faith in Mercy's laws : 

The world remembered not 
That he, as others born to life, 
Deserved some care, — not all such strife 

As fell now to his lot ! 

XXXVI. 

Night settled soon in all its gloom — 
As starless, rayless as the tomb 

That life receives at last ; 
And left the world to shadows dark 
The fearful soul begets—" but hark ! 

"Was that the wind's sharp blast?" 

XXXVII. 

The night-hawk screamed aloud his woe. 
And every shadow was a foe 

To fearful soul in doubt ; 
The trees and rocks all seemed to moan, 
And deep within Tom, heaved a groan : 

Aloud he feared to shout! 

xxxvni. 

For if he had, who now could say 
What had become of him when day 

Had dawned on earth again ? 
Sure wicked ghouls had found him out, 
And taken him without a doubt, 

And lodged him in their den ! 

XXXIX. 

So, mute and fearful did he crouch. 
The chill, damp earth his only couch 

Throughout the dark, wild night. 
The shadows long fell full upon 
Him there: — and then, the mighty sun 

Arose with cheerful light ! 



28 THOUGHT THROBS. 

XL. 

The heavens rosy grew and all 

The shadows fled that night enthrall ; 

The birds began to sing; 
Night's tear-drop bathed the trembling rose, 
The Sun's warm rays awoke Repose, — 

The woods with life did ring. 

XLI. 

Died with the night, did fancies wild 
That would the head of any child 

Turn white with fearful thought ; 
And freely once more breathed this waif, 
Though much that night had left to chafe 

A mind to dread new wrought. 

XLII. 

The first night gone Tom wiser grew ; 
'T was not the last he fully knew 

He had now meanly fared. 
If here on earth he wished to dwell — 
And sure he did, though why — to tell 

He neither knew nor cared ! 

XLIII. 

Denied a home where he was born, 
His life itself a thing of scorn. 

All frenzied grew his mind ; 
And eager, too, of Hate to learn ! 
But what to do, or whither turn 

A place of rest to find ? 

XLIV. 

He wandered in the woods, and then 
He came into an open glen 

Where ran a brooklet clear ; 
About him there some birds did light. 
And marveled at him, but no fright 

Disturbed their wonted cheer. 



THE LIFE OF DESPICABLE TOM. 29 

XLV. 

The sly deception of his race 
Stood him in need, and o'er his face 

A look of languor stole ; 
He closed his eyes as though asleep — 
But naughty thing ! still kept a peep 

Upon their actions bold ! 

XLVI. 

No breakfast had his lips yet pass'd, 
And argued he ''To break this fast, 

A bird must surely die ! " 
And thereupon he made a leap — 
Alas ! they found him not asleep ! — 

One wee bird failed to fiy ! 

XLVII. 

And thus begun Tom's wild career 
That led him onward, scorning fear. 

Into a reckless life ; 
And earned for him the sobriquet 
Of " Despicable Tom " they say. 

And filled his life with strife ! 

SPAT TI. 

I. 

Our hero now is famous grown, 

Though scarce six months have backward flown 

Since we beheld him last. 
There on the brooklet's banks where he 
Then dined upon the poorkilldee, 

To break his first long fast. 

II. 

Since then he has a terror been 
To every timid denizen 

That dwelt within the wood ; 
And bird and hare alike did share 
A cruel fate when in his snare 

To catch them there he could. 



30 THOUGHT THROBS. 

III. 

No surer hit the ai'cher's dart 
Than victim fell before his art — 

So apt in practice he ! 
Thus Fate had urged him to such work, 
And Want cried to him not to shirk 

Or hungry he would be ! 

IV. 
No pity ever moved bis heart 
For those who fell, nor did there start 

A blush for all his crime ! 
Had he not felt the world's fell hate ? 
Then talk to him of pity ! Fate 

Held for him no such time ! 

V. 

A wild, fierce thing he surely looked : 
All scragged was his hair, and crooked 

His ears with briar-scratched sores ; 
And flashed his eye with hatred's fire 
That dared the world and did defy 

Presumption in his foes. 

VI. 

He had somewhat grown larger, too, 
And lean and lank he was, 'tis true, 

Though much he had destroyed 
Of fellow-life, as he once said, 
" That he himself might be well fed ! " — ■- 

Still, hunger much annoyed ! 

VII. 

Especially so when days would speed 
Some times to weeks while he would feed 

On bits of feathers found ! 
The scattered fragments of some meal 
He once had shared! Then, would he feel 

Fate's fetters which so bound I 



THE LIFE OF DESPICABLE TOM. 31 

VIII. 

All through the summer did he live 
This wild and reckless life, to give 

His thoughts alone to spoils; 
And proved himself a thing of dread : 
His neighbors truly wished him dead, 

So wicked were his toils! 

IX. 

But soon the summer time was gone : 
The leaf had dropp'd, the trees were shorn 

Of their rich verdant dress ; 
And all the life once mingled there 
Within their boughs, had fled somewhere — 

Just where Tom could not guess ! 

X. 

The winter rude had surely come 
With biting blasts and waning sun, 

And frosts that chilled the earth ; 
The cold snow fell and drifted high — 
To Tom it seemed to reach the sky. 

So lowly was his berth ! 

XI. 

The fruits of earth were garnered up ; 
The provident held brimming cup, 

Which Summer gone had filled ; 
And pleasures new for them remained : 
The darkest hour some sweet contained — 

So much for nature tilled ! 

XII. 

But for the foolish butterfly, 

Which lives while nature can supply, 

Or tend its feeble wants, 
Poor chances has it now of life ! 
The world to such is wanton strife : 

All barren are its haunts ! 



THOUGHT THROBS. 

XIII. 

And thus time found our hero fast; 
All helpless to the winter's blast, 

With neither food nor home ; 
For caught within a blinding drift 
Of flying snow, too soon no rift 

Was left from which to come ! 

XIV. 

And trembling there beneath that shroud 
While hunger gnawed, his spirit proud 

Upbore him many days ; 
But roused at last, alive with pain, 
Eesolved that naught could him restrain. 

He broke his prison stays : 

XV. 

He scrambled out the snow to find 
He left a crimson trail behind ! 

Sharp ice had cut his feet ! 
But heeding not he onward sped. 
And soon a pathway found that led 

To broad and beaten street. 

XVI. 

Great houses ranged on either side, 

And smoke curled up from chimneys wide- 

But what knew he of this ! 
He had the village seen before, 
But dared not venture near, although 

A curious mind was his. 

XVII. 

For well he knew no friends there dwelt ; 
Beneath those roofs all for him felt 

Contempt and violent hate ! 
Then would he trust himself to them, 
When one and all were hunting him? 

It would indeed be late ! 



THE LIFE OF DESPICABLE TOM. 8:5 

XVIII. 

The houses he had seen : the smoke — 
He would have thought it one huge joke 

Had some one told him true ! 
For what knew he of fire and heat ? 
The sun, to him, was all ! — conceit 

He would have thought it, sure ! 

XIX. 

But now he took his life in hand — 
Food would he have, or on demand 

That life should pay the cost ! 
And thus he boldly passed the street, 
No longer fearing one to meet : — 

This was no idle boast. 

XX. 

He climbed a fence and boldly strode 
Up to the house ; but there his road 

The house did circle round ; 
Undaunted still, he took the way, 
Yet had gone but a step, when — Hey ? — 

He heard a low, strange sound ! 

XXI. 

Above him was a window where 

A light came stealing through, and there 

He leaped with savage bound ; 
He caught upon the window-sill — 
To rush right in it was his will — 

But, what was this he found ? 

XXII. 

A pane of glass his way debarred ! 
O cruel Fate ! why thus retard 

His every fortune's turn ? 
Can naught appease thy fearful hate. 
Nor thy revengeful soul yet sate ? 

Can he thy pardon earn ? 
4 



34 THOUGHT THROBS. 

XXIII. 

Too bad I Yet daunted Tom was not. 
But in the room his glances shot, 

Some way therein to find ; 
And then he saw, — could all this be 
. In sober truth, reality ? 

Or eidolon of mind ? 

XXIV. 

Within the room a ruddy glow 
Suifused it full and served to show 

What ease and comfort there ; 
The soft light fell in lingering rays 
On spotless board, whereon sat trays 

Heaped with a kingly fare! 

XXV. 

A fire roared gaily 'neath a spit ; 

The air was filled with mirth and wit — 

Those who sat there were gay ; 
Nor recked they of the world without 
Where hobbled Want with Care about,- 

All hopeless of the day ! 

XXVI. 

Tom's heart in hatred fiercer grew 
At such a sight, for well he knew 

For him they did not care ; 
He might there starve or die with cold, 
For aught they cared : his fate was told, 

If they could mete his share ! 

XXVII. 

A whiff he caught while standing there 
Upon the sill — 'twas rich and rare! 

He drank it down with greed ! 
A tray of quails near to him sat — 
He shook the glass — " Oh, had I that, 

How bount'ously I 'd feed !" 



THE LIFE OF DESPICABLE TOM. 35 

XXVIII. 

The rattling pane warned those within, 
And looking up Tom's face of sin 

They saw, and gave alatm; 
Dogs out of kennels, baying, sprung. 
And at him full themselves they flung : 

They meant him no slight harm ! 

XXIX. 

Tom's heart leaped madly, and to fight 
He was not loth, so with his might. 

Sprung down to meet his foes : 
The fight begun, fierce was it fought ; 
The life of each the other sought, — 

Here would they settle scores ! 

XXX. 

For scores they had, these dogs and Tom ; 
They 'd met before and each some harm 

Had to the other done. 
The woods had witnessed many fights 
Between them there, while woodland sprites 

Laughed but to see the fun ! 

XXXI. 

The wikls had favored Tom while there; 
But now it seemed somewhat unfair: 

Three dogs opposed him, one ! 
The odds he saw, but fight he must, 
Alone unto his prowess trust! 

Thus had he battles won. 

XXXII. 

He perched upon the leader's back. 
The quiv'ring flesh essayed to hack; 

And some good work got in ! 
Excitement rose with his wild yell — 
Up flew the sash and downward fell 

The tray of birds — to him ! 



36 THOUGHT THROBS. 

XXXIII. 

Man's face was there, yet his fierce glance 
Tom cared not for, but watched his chance : 

His eyes on bird had fed, 
And soon he would ! And with a bound, 
He seized a bird and o'er the ground. 

Like to one swift, he sped ! 

xxx^^^ 

The dogs gave chase, but soon came back ; 
In truth they feared his wild attack, 

And would have sued for peace ; 
But masters urged them to the chase, 
So sure that they could win the race, 

And Tom's fierce life release. 

XXXV. 

But onward sped our hero bold, 
With bird in mouth ! Let Fortune scold- 
One meal he had ahead ! 
And after that who could then say 
That daring would not thrive each day. 
And hunger still be fed ? 

XXXVI. 

He reached the wood, and there he ate 
The toasted quail, which on him Fate 

So grudgingly bestowed ; 
And tempted by so rare a meal, 
He straight resolved thenceforth to steal 

From other's garnered hoard ! 

XXXVII. 

And thus he passed the winter through : 
Of depredations not a few, 

His wild career did mark ; 
A terror wide had grown his name. 
And despicable, too, his fame : 

A veritable shark ! 



THE LIFE OF DESPICJ/ILE TOM. 37 

XXXVIII. 

But when the winter winds had blown 
Away their snows, and grass had grown, 

And flowers budded gay, 
And birds had come again to sing. 
And bless the happy hours of spring, 

Rejoicing in the day ; 

XXXIX. 

Tom then forsook his village raids, 
And sought the cool, inviting shades 

The leafy boughs screened. 
Once more upon poor birds he fed, 
And darker grew the life he led : 

Him Fate had so bemeaned ! 

XL. 

Congratulations went the round 
Within the many barn-yards found 

By Tom the winter past, 
That he was gone and they could rear 
Their young in peace now with no fear 

They'd fall to his repast! 

XLI. 

But birds no consolation felt, 
Nor any timid thing that dwelt 

Within the forest wild ; 
For Tom roved there, freebooter, still, 
Nor would one dare to brook the will 

()f Nature's wildest child ! — 

XLII. 

So dream this story on ! But now 
The transformation comes — just how, 

I'll now proceed to tell: 
But if my tale has weary grown, 
Just drop it here — yet be it known • 

My purpose has been well ! 



38 THOUGHT THROBS. 

XLIII. 

A day thei'e comes to one and all, 
Ephem'ral though it be withal, 

And flecked its glim m' ring rays, 
When Hope bounds, yearning in the heart, 
And curtains of the Future part — 

Or so we dream in maze — 

XLIV. 

When on the Past we turn our back. 
And seek to hide the gloomy track, 

We groped within its dark ; 
When all the ills of life are done. 
Its battles fought, its vict'ries won. 

Peace as the banner mark : 

XLV. 

When rife Imagination sees 

Appi'oaching near, sweet Health and Ease, 

Awarded to our toils 
By gracious Kindness, which has looked 
Upon the labors we have brooked. 

So tortuous in their coils : 

XLVI. 

A day that pays for all, and crowns 

The head with laurel, smooths the frowns — 

Foul imprints of some ill 
That wielded power long : — such Day, 
Though 't live in dreams, long may it stay. 

Wild throbbing hearts to still ! 

XLVII. 

Some day like this on all may dawn 
To bless and cheer the lowly born — 

If so, why not on Tom ? 
Such day seemed surely come to him, 
For through his heart and every limb, 

There stirred awakened charm ! 



THE LIFE OF DESPICABLE TOM. 89 

XLVIII. 
A sense that charmed, which to define 
In words he could not, still by sign, 

Some sort of it was plain ; 
For spruce he did, and slick his hair — 
But then to tell it all, 'twere fair 

The first we did explain. 

XLIX. 

It happened thus : One early morn ^ 

Whilst birds unto the rosy dawn 

Were singing matins sweet. 
And leaping hares had scampered out 
In search of food, this wily scout 

Them chasing, chanced to meet 

L. 

One of his kind ! 'Twas truly strange, 
Accustomed as he was to range 

Those tangled woods alone. 
To find Avithin the shady haunts 
One like himself ! — To prove past vaunts, 

Now something would be torn ! 

LI. 

For he had taken oath to kill 

What came within those woods ; fulfill 

He would that willful oath 
Right here ! — But then he only thought ! 
He knew not that himself was caught : 

And victims, too, were both ! 

LII. 

One of his kind! — But not his kind, 
If eyes may judge ; for too refined 

That spotless creature seemed 
To class with him — for here was youth 
And grace and beauty — all, in sooth, 

That culture would have beamed. 



40 THOUGHT THROBS. 

LIII. 

Care had been given to her dress ; 
Her eyes were soft, and, I confess, 

She was a picture neat! 
You see it was a maid he met. 
As sweet and purq as th' dew tliat wet 

Her dainty little feet ! 

LIV. 

When met, both trembled, one witli fear,. 
The other with fierce rage, a leer 

Curling his lip in scorn ; 
A wild impulse sprung in his heart 
To tear tliis creature limb from part. 

So silly did it fawn ! 

LV. 

But visions of her loveliness 
Entranced his eyes, and deep impress 

Was made within his soul ; 
The wicked words he fain would speak, 
Came now so modulated, meek : — 

He could not even scold ! 

LVI. 

Who can not find excuse for this? 

He had no friendship known — and bliss? 

He knew not what it was ! 
But something new now spoke to him 
Quite foreign to liis wonted whim. 

And caused his tongue to pause. 

LVII. 

His heart no pity held, 'twas thought: 
How false ! for sure some Grace now sought. 

To turn away liis wrath ; 
And not without that due reward 
Which kindness sliows, as some accord 

Moved him to give the path ! 



THE LIFE OF DESPICABLE TOM. 41 

LVIII. 
This, too, it were now time to tell: 
This creature was the village belle 

Who Tom's pathway had crossed ; 
And many love-sick swains had felt 
His speechless charm ere this, and knelt 

But to confess her lost! 

LIX. 

A minx she had been 'mong the beaux, 
And many were the billet-doux 

Sent to her, breathing love ; 
The which she had too rudely thrown 
Away when their contents were known : — 

" Quite heartless was this dove!" 

LX. 

She meant one day to choose a lord — 
Or so she said : somehow accord 

The Fates would not with her ! 
But all in castles love to dwell, — 
Or think they would ; — yet, who can tell ? 

Facts do at fancies leer ! 

LXI. 

But to our story. — Yet perforce 
Must say here : Now this of course 

I'd have you fully know, 
That this fair miss, though she was vain, 
Was not a wanton, for a plain 

And kindly heart she bore. 

LXII. 

To meet wild Tom she had not sought. 
But wandered far, deep wrapt in thought. 

Into those woods so drear ; 
And so when she before him stood, 
Alone within the deep, wild wood, 

Would not she di*? of fear? 



42 THOUGHT THROBS. 

LXIII. 

Well hardly ! Maids don't often scare 
At sight of youths ! But truly, there 

Was room for show of fear ; 
Tom bore no reputation good, 
And him she knew, and now how could 

She get away? — "Oh, dear!" 

LXIV. 

ThougJi trembling as she did with fear, 
Her mind was busy, and a tear 

Stole from its hidden fount; 
Its gentle splatter on the ground 
Awoke her Aill to thoughts profound 

That would her ills surmount, 

LXV. 

Tom all this while had nothing said; 
Confused or vacant seemed his head — 

The which Miss Puss divined ; 
And straight upon her arts she fell, 
And looking shy — he felt a spell 

Steal o'er him so^— what kind? 

LXVI. 

How should he know ? He ne'er before 
Had feelings like, nor felt the blow 

Of Cupid's little dart ! 
'Tis very well to laugh and say 
He showed his weakness there that day — 

May be you have a heart ! 

LXVII. 

She saw the vantage gained ; to look 
More pretty tried ; her head she shook. 

And coyly raised her eyes ! 
Tom drank in all her loveliness — 
Form, figure, face, and silken dress ; 

E'en to her fit and size ! 



THE LIFE OF DESPICABLE TOM. 43 

LXVIII. 

These words she spoke with gentle speech : 
'' Kind sir, I 'm lost, and I beseech 

Your guidance from this place ! " 
Her glance was shy, her speech was sweet, 
He saw her eyes drop when to meet 

His they were raised ! — Such face ! 

LXIX. 

" How could he do her harm ?" he thought, 
"So gentle and so fair! — He ought" — 

But then he only said : 
" I fear you do not know me, child ; 
I 'm ' Despicable Tom,' the wild !" 

And here he bowed his head. 

LXX. 

Surprised he was at his own speech. 
Which softly fell, nor left a breach 

To gape a grave to hope ! 
And fair Miss Puss felt much relief, 
And found some ground for a belief 

That she his heart could ope ! 

LXXI. 

" Kind sir," she said — her heart grew bold — 
^' Of course I often have been told 
Some stories strange and wild : 
That you had all the world defied. 
And set at naught all that betide 
The heart to friendship mild. 

LXXII. 

" But were it right in me to judge 
You from report? Should truth ehaerge 

From out these tales and show 
You guiltless, then, what could I say, 
Who had through rumor closed the way 
To truth ? Forbid it so ! 



44 THOUGHT THROBS. 

LXXIII. 

" I know you have a heart! nor will 
You injure me, nor leave me till 

My home is come in view! 
Come then, kind sir; I now depend 
On you, and you will me defend — 
I trust myself to you !" 

LXXIV. 

Tom felt his head ! In truth he thought 

He was now sure deranged ! Who taught 
Such gentle speech as that? 

What answer could he make to her? 

His tongue was rude, his speech was queer- 
Down, helpless, there, he sat! 

LXXV. 

" Your words are sti'ange ! so strange to me ! 
I do not understand ! You see. 

To such I am not used ! — 
If I can right interpret them. 
They mean — but you I know condemn ! — ■ 

My judgment is abused !" 

LXXVI. 

" Indeed, I do not," Puss replied, 
" I could not think so if I tried, 
Now that I have seen you I 
No matter what I may have thought. 
When bad reports of you I caught : 
I know they were not true ! 

LXXVII. 

" So many tales we hear now'days 
That smack of slander, it repays 

One to investigate ; 
Too oft we find such rumors sprung 
From vicious hearts, their stories rung 

By all malignant Hate !" 



THE LIFE OF DESPICABLE TOM. 45 

LXXVIII. 

" Think so of all you may have heard 
Of me, and pray I that no word 

Will shake your confidence ! — 
Ah, strange to feel as I feel now ! 
To hear kind words ! — I must allow 

Some hope to my defense ! 

LXXIX. 

" But ! is this me ? It must be so ! — 
Yes, I this mangled body know ! 

And now I feel old pains ! — 
But yet a dream enchants me, sure, 
And pictures now a vision pure. 
Free from all worldly stains ! 

LXXX. 

"Fair creature, you have not misjudged 
Me from reports ! These woods I 've trudged 

So many days with Hate 
Supremely lodged within my breast; 
To hearken to his vile behest 

That urged me on to fate ! 

LXXXI. 

" I did not think that one could find 
Me docile to their wish, or bind 

Me in their service fast; 
But this I must confess you 've done I 
Now wield the power you have won ! — 

A slave I am at last!" 

LXXXII. 

And Tom, subdued, took up the way. 
And led her from the woods that day 

Unto her home near by ; 
And there he left her at her gate, 
And turned about — but then, too late ! — 

She caught his ling'ring ej^e ! 



46 • THOUGHT THROBS. 

LXXXIII. 

A courtship thus begun, you know, 
Was never fated to end so, 

And each day brought excuse 
For Tom to happen 'round that way, 
Or Puss to wander o'er the lea ! — 

To try explain what use ? 

LXXXIV. 

The limpid pools the woods contained, 
To Tom were mirrors, so constrained 

His wish to then look well ! 
And somewhat, too, he had improved : 
All scars and blotches were removed. 

His limp alone to tell 

LXXXV. 

Of all he had so lately borne, 

When flesh and hair and feet were torn 

By wicked thorns and strife ; 
But since he met fair Puss no war 
Had ruffled up his hair to mar 

His less eventful life. 

LXXXVI. 

Miss Puss he loved with all his heart, 
Because she pitied him whose part 

The world had set at naught; 
And she? — she loved him deeply, true, 
Because the world had placed his due 

Beneath the lowest sought! 

LXXXVII. 

It was a shock to village pride, 
To see Miss Puss with Tom beside : 

Him whom they all had scorned ! 
But them it little troubled now: 
They had exchanged the lovers' vow! 

How useless to be warned ! 



THE LIFE OF DESPICABLE TOM. 47 

LXXXVIII. 

All opposition soon succumbed 

To their set wish, and no one " thumbed " 

Behind Tom's back at him ; 
In truth, when peace was fully known, 
Much charity was to him shown: 

The world looked not so grim ! 

LXXXIX. 

Kind intercession gained for Tom, 

And blessed his life with subtle charm — 

The home of Puss was his ! 
So said the master, and he found 
The warm hearth-rug no chill, damp ground, — 

Such as he knew, I wis ! 

xc. 
And so the coming winter found 
Him snug ensconced where all around 

Alone with comfort shone ; 
Fair Puss had now become his bride, 
And reconciled he was beside 

To all that he had borne ! 

xci. 
A harbinger of peace outspread 
Its lusty wings, and it was said 

No dreams disturbed Tom's sleep; 
I do not know how true that was, 
For sure there would appear some cause — 

But then, this thing will keep! 

SPAT III. 

I. 
Upon that rug with Puss Tom sat 
The winter through, while cheerful chat 

Beguiled the hours away ; 
And many stories did he tell 
Of hardships fearful which befell 

Him in his youth and day. 



48 THOUGHT THROBS. 

II. 

The lone, chill nights, the winter's blast, 

With blinding snows, through which he 'd pass'd 

The brunt of every woe ; 
E'en from that hour when in the wave 
H' was thrown to find a wat'ry grave, 

He told his story so ! 

III. 

And those who listened wept to hear 
His strange, wild tale ; some kindred fear 

Bestirring every heart : 
What if some horrid fate should yet 
A like decree upon them set? — 

The thought would tremors start ! 

IV. 

Misfortune liad not dealt with them 

As was her wont, since Love would stem 

Such tide and hem them in ; 
And while such gracious presence stood 
Kind guardian to their lives, Hate could 

No vantage see, nor win. 

V. 

They lived those stories through with Tom, 
Wrapt in his thoughts, and much alarm 

Sprung with his bristling scenes, 
Of how he fought, and how hemm'd in 
By baying dogs, when not to win. 

Meant death by snarling fiends ! 

VI. 

And then the tales he told of want, 
When almost famished, lean and gaunt. 

He faced the world alone, 
Resolved to die or satisfy 
His famished self — and did defy 

Them all, as is well known ! 



THE LIFE OF DESPICABLE TOM. 4'.t 

VII. 

But here his tale he would cut short; 
He did not quite believe he ought 

Eecall the past to them ; 
For true it was, 't was here he stole 
The toasted quail ; and it were bold 

To teach them to contemn ! 

YIII. 

Still, this they all remembered well, 
Yet deemed it prudent not to dwell 

On it, though all forgave; 
And sympathizing with hii : now, 
Sat Chief and Tige and Tray, each brow 

Contracted, too, and grave. 

IX. 

All wondered how the world could be 
So full of sin and enmity, 

And all so partial, too, 
That some were born to live in ease, 
And bred to scorn the weak and seize 

All that to life is due : 

X. 

Why Fortune smiles not on the good, 
But rather to the wicked should 

Extend a helping hand, 
To lift such to the heights of fame — 
Bestowing riches, honor, name — 

All else they may demand ! 

XI. 

Why victory should light on those 
Deserving less the goods they chose, 

Than those bereft of all ; 
AVhy Health should sit with ruddy cheek, 
Ready to paint the villain meek— 

As subject to his thrall : 
5 



50 THOUGHT THROBS. 

XII. 

Why Innocence should cry aloud, 
To sink beneath the surging crowd 

That onward tramps to fame ; 
Herself forgot, or basely spurned, 
While that for which she justly yearned 

Is lost — she crippled, lame ! 

XIII. 

The wonder, too, was how one could 
Do else than that which Hatred should 

Put in his way to do ; 
If Honor fell and Love was lost, 
It were the debt alone and cost 

That Faith has left as due ! 

XIV. 

Tom somehow, too, caught this same view, 
And found excuses not a few 

For his wild, fierce warfare ; 
But shuddered often when he thought 
What might have been had he been caught 

Soft napping in his lair ! 

XV. 

The friends that hang good fortune 'round, 
Oft are on slightest chances found 

The basest of the base: 
Far be it from his heart to say, 
" May not these dogs so pi'ove some day, 
And to the wilds me cha.se ? " 

XVI. 

With all their sympathy expressed, 
Tom to himself this much confessed : 
" Naught was there to atone ! " 
For wicked deeds he had not done, 
Nor foully dealt with any one ! — 
Such folly he 'd disown ! 



THE LIFE OF DESPICABLE TOM. 51 

XVII. 
But ere the spring time had returned, 
He had another lesson learned, 

That quite subdued him, too ; 
His cosy corner on the rug 
With Puss beside — all was so snug, 

'T would any one subdue ! 

XVIII. 

His wicked thoughts were banished quite, 
And peace was taught, and cheerful light 

Came stealing through his mind ; 
And what seemed dismal heretofore. 
Soon beamed with radiance, and more : 

He Avas now sure resigned ! 

XIX. 

Yes, Tom was civilized, I'm sure, 
And nothing could again allure 

Him in his by-gone ways : 
The strictest confidence was felt 
In him by all, and peace there dwelt ! — 

Sure, Love a love repays ! 

XX. 

Beneath the cloak of Faith may hide 
A grinning skull, to there abide 

Fit season for its deeds ; 
The heart may throb, the bosom swell, 
While canker gnaws ! — Can Wisdom tell 

What lives or rots in creeds ? 

XXI. 

But I am too fast with my tale, 
Nor on misfortune should I rail — 

Yet sure no other cause, 
However great, can full explain 
Why Tom should fall from grace again, 

Or mar sweet Virtue's laws. 



52 THOUGHT THROBS. 

XXII. 

Suffice it here : The winter's pass'd, 
And nature feels no more its blast, 

Which chilled and curdled life, 
But blushes now in rosy blooms 
That scent the air with rich perfumes : 

With beauty, all is rife ! 

XXIII. 

Tom, too, came forth and gazed around ; 
So snug his quarters were he found 

The winter short indeed ; 
And it was gone ere he had thought 
It fair begun, since he had naught 

Of its sharp sting to heed. . 

XXIV. 

Things so reminded him of days 
Past gone, and new awakened lays 

The birds had sweetly sung, 
Unconscious then that their soft notes 
Had guided stealthy steps — their throats 

For such sweet songs he wrung ! 

XXV. 

Old recollections moved him on, 
And soon beyond the cultured lawn, 

He found himself in wood ; 
There wound the path he once had trod 
With hands all torn and feet unshod — 

Hungry, in search of food ! 

XXVI. 

Familiar scenes stretched out just here ; 
The brooklet with its waters clear 

Still bubbling in delight, 
As when upon that morning fair 
He seized the bird to fiercely tear 

Its limbs in famished might ! 



THE LIFE OF DESPICABLE TOM. 53 

XXVII. 
A shade of sadness o'er him swept 
At thought of this, and sure, he wept. 

When feather there he saw ; 
For sore contrition stirred him deep, 
Tliough new awakened, and to weep 

Eased some repentance's law. 

xxvin. 
Forbearance would not linger here. 
But stern Regret would have him share 

Its sting for yet awhile ; 
Between such masters hapless moored, 
He found himself: — and thus inured 

He was at first to guile ! 

XXIX. 

To stay he felt sore tempted, sure, 
But how could he again endure 

What once had brought him low ? 
He must not stay ! —He felt so shocked 1 — 
And then to see that all things mocked 

His meek repentance's show ! 

XXX. 

And so he broke away and ran 
Into the woods — cool haunts of Pan, 

Wherein to drown all thought ! 
Here sweet Repose a couch bedecked. 
Inviting rest, and here were fleck'd 

Fair blooms of every sort. 

XXXI. 

Tom sank him down upon the green ; 
Not all to rest, but there, I ween, 

To live again the past; 
But Slumber came and stole his will, 
And left his mind for Dreams to fill 

With visions fleeting fast: 



54 THOUGHT THROBS. 

XXXII. 

Prophetic were they, too, nor dwelt 
Alone in past, but sagely felt 

The pulse of future time ; 
Fair visions rose in mist outlined, 
Their contours bold : but ere defined 

The thoughts had broken chime ! 

XXXIII. 

The wind each fragment scattered 'round 
In pearl}^ drops upon the ground — 

His brightest dreams were gone ! 
Then to his mind some Shades awoke 
(Such as you see in chaldrons' smoke, 

When witches set them on) : 

XXXIV. 

These nightmares broke sweet Slumber's spell, 
And woke Tom up : but not to tell 

His dreams, forewarned he was. 
Since presage to his mind said this : 
"If told such fate would sure be his!" — 

To such who would give cause ? 

XXXV. 

But if we can not know their bent, 
The sequel comes full soon : content 

We now to follow that ; 
And mark the peace and happiness. 
Or what we find, and so express 

Fate's sure and dire fiat. 

► XXXVI. 

When full his eyes had opened come, 
And dreams were past, they fell upon 

A busy thrush at work ; 
Some twigs the bird was weaving 'round 
In forks of tree ; so near the ground 

Tom could full o'er it perk ! 



THE LIFE OF DESPICABLE TOM. 

XXXVII. 
And soon the mate-bird came, with beak 
So full of straws that if to speak 

It had been wont, its mate 
Would wisely had to guess at nods 
And them interpret: but the odds 

Were that it felt elate ! 

XXXVIII. 

At first Tom's heart with spirit leaped. 
As through the twigs his keen eyes peeped 

Upon the birds and nest ; 
But soon a milder look came in 
His fiery eyes ; yet some chagrin 

Marked, too, his good behest. 

XXXIX. 

So many lessons he had learned 
The winter past, that had he spurned 

Their good influence now, 
In justice would such wages be 
Henceforth but sorrow, nor to see 

Peace more would fate allow ! 

XL. 

So true to lessons taught was he, 
That idle curiosity 

Soon moved his eyes alone ; 
A languid interest came on : 
He watched their work until the morn 

Had to still evening grown. 

XLI. 

He roused him then and sped him home, 
Ere deep had settled evening's gloom. 

Or shadowed was his way ; 
Such day he had not passed before 
For months and months ; yea, six or more : 

E'en from his fortune's day ! 



56 THOUGHT THROBS. 

XLII. 
That day wherein he met his fate, 
The coy Miss Puss, who is the mate 

Now bound in life to him ; 
Who has so smootlied and paved his way, 
And cheered his life that Grief can say 

Naught of its past to him. 

XLIII. 

So might he rest ! But something sti'ange — 
He knew not what — would have him range 

Along the paths once trod ; 
And quickened, too, his pulses were : 
At sight of them he felt so queer — 

Peculiar 'twas, and odd. 

XLIV. 

Now that he had the bird's nest seen. 
He came too often there, I ween : 

But then he knew his mind ! — 
Or thought he did ! But I declare, 
He showed too much a wanton's care ! 

Too kind he was, too kind ! 

XLV. 

The int'rest that he felt, he knew 
To curiosity was due ; 

He would not harm the birds ! 
No ! sooner would he harm himself, 
And waste his fortune, or the pelf — 

Enough ! make good such words ! 

XLVI. 

Yet truly, by some strange mishap, 
His rambles brought him there — to nap 

Upon the green near by ? 
Well hardly ! since he seldom slept. 
Although he often feigned : but crept 

Close to the nest — to sigh ! 



THE LIFE OF DESPICABLE TOM. 
XLVII. 

He saw the nest completed, and 
Within its downy depths his hand 

He could have stretched, 'tis true; 
But then of course he did not; though 
He could not see why it were more 

Then waiting patience's due. 

XLVIII. 

Soon came wee speckled eggs therein ; — 
One— two— three— four! With broadened grin 

Tom watched them closer still ; 
And next he saw the hen-hird sit: 
He marveled at her silly wit. 

But let her sit her fill ! 

XLIX. 

That he had lived in woods, 't is true. 
Near all his life, but now know you, 

This scene was new to him ; 
For birds had feared him so before. 
They built their nests where none could go 

Save they, high on some limb. 

L. 

So now he looked in wonder on, 
And felt I must confess much scorn 

For that which silly seemed ; 
But then the lessons he had learned 
Forbade him. touch, although he yearned 

To know what her bemeaned. 

LI. 

A week passed by, and from the eggs 
Stepped strangest things with spraddle legs ! 

Such heads they had to lug, 
That when their mouths came open full. 
You were reminded of some hull, 

Or funnel to a jug I 



THOUGHT THROBS. 

LII. 
In each capacious opening, 
The parent bird would drop something 

On which the birdlets throve ; 
And day with day the strange things grew, — 
Their down gave way to feathers new : 

To aid them Nature strove. 

LIII. 

Tom stood each day beside the nest. 
While strange emotions filled his breast! — 

Yet right had conquered might ! 
And he such firm assurance felt 
In his own will, that Evil knelt 

An abject thing to sight ! 

LIV. 

But often still his thoughts would dwell 
Upon the past, when he was — well, 

When such a thing as this : 
Say helpless birds, — which now he had 
Within his power's reach — Egad ! 

He would have made them his ! 

LV. 

And so the day had come when all 
Were ready to obey the call 

Their natures made to them ; 
Their wings were fledged, their feathers grown. 
Their nest they would hence leave forlorn, 

That once had sheltered them : 

LVI. 

Like children grown by parents' care, 
A day there comes when ties most dear 

Are broken as with death ; 
The young to join the thi-ong of life, 
Forgetting, almost, in the strife 

What should e'er pulse with breath ! 



THE LIFE OF DESPICABLE TOM. 59 

LYII. 

The parents fond to live in dreams, 
And hug delusions — flitting beams, 

That Fancy, childlike, hurls 
In golden shafts across the sky 
Where twilight lingers, hov'ring nigh 

Till Death his shroud unfurls! 

LVIII. 

Tom understood now what had come : 
He watched the stretching wings of some. 

The chirps of others heard ; 
And said, while wistful look he shot 
At them full square, " Once I could not 

Have stood this : — Hi there, bird ! " 

LIX. 

A bird had fluttered out, and fell 
Full in his face ere it had well 

Balanced itself in air I 
Restraints were powerless to hold 
Him longer now ; — desire grew bold — 

He seized the bird right there ! 

LX. 

Dispatched he this ere it could cry 
Unto its mates, nor time to fly 

Had they till in his clutch 
They felt the pangs of cruel death, 
And struggling there gave up the breath ! — 

What had he done? Ah, much ! 

LXI. 

The parent birds then screamed their grief; 
The woods resounded, every leaf 

Set trembling as in fear; 
And bird and beast for miles around. 
Soon gathered there, and on the ground 

Fell many a sorrowing tear I 



60 THOUGHT THROBS. 

LXII. 

Tom hid himself, as well he might ; 
If he could only keep from sight, 

How glad the world had been, 
Which knew him for a wretch at heart, 
Prone to vile deeds, adept in art 

That thrived alone in sin ! 

LXIII. 

Withdrawn from all, Repentance knocked 
At his full heart, so sorely shocked 

O'er that which he had done ; 
Nor could he find one faint excuse 
For this foul act ! — Let earth refuse 

Him hope ! — This had he won ! 

LXIV. 

All day and night he lay concealed, 
Dreading the stare that late revealed 

The horror for him felt; 
And there beyond the eye of man. 
Besought his God to justly scan 

His heart : and then he knelt ! 

LXV. 

His God, for Puss had told him there 
Was One above who would help share 

The burdens of his life ; 
And svire no time was fitter than 
The present for such aid ! — "But can 

He purge this world of strife ?" 

LXVI. 

This doubt Tom felt, for well he knew 
Unmeasured ills were justly due 

To him for all his deeds ! 
But faith in Puss still served to fill 
His heart with hope, and to instill 

Submission with hig creeds. '' 



THE LIFE OF DESPICABLE TOM. 61 

LXYir. 
To look upon her face once more, 
He next resolved, and then he'd go — 

But why resolve on that ? 
It mattered not ! The world to him 
Was one wild waste, a chaos dim. 

Without a bound or fiat ! 

LXVIII. 

This much he did : He found his way 
Back to that home, where happy, they, 

Himself and Puss, once dwelt ; 
To enter unobserved he tried, 
But chickens saw and cackling shied : — 

Contempt all for him felt ! 

LXIX. 

And Puss he had no time to find, 
For full upon her master kind 

He came ! — or kind he was 
When Tom had dwelt beneath his roof; 
But of that kindness now what proof ? 

Or for such whei'e was cause ? 

LXX. 

Had he not charity abused ? 
Friendship and kindness so misused 

That naught but hate remained? 
He felt it all, and bowed his head. 
Expecting naught of love ; instead. 

The curse his acts constrained ! 

LXXI. 

His master called him up; nor would 
He let him see poor Puss; "She could 

Not stand it now," he said : 
She had for two days been in tears, 
Which marked as deep as two long years : 

With grief she lay in bed ! 



62 THOUGHT THROBS. 

LXXII. 

And stern, the master then would know 
What Tom had done, why acted so ; 

Why he the birds had killed ? 
Commanding that he 'd tell him straight,. 
Disguising nothing, but relate 

All that had urged or willed. 

LXXIII. 

Tom said : " I will then tell you all ! 
E'en from the time when first Life's galL 

I tasted to this now ! 
Life held no rosy dawn for me! 
Born was I in this world to be 

A brunt, you must allow! 

LXXIV. 

" I came unwanted — yea, the sport 
Of wicked loves, if first report 

I may believe now true ; 
And ere the dawn or sun arose 
• Upon my life, allotment chose 

Me victim: Death's frail due! 

LXXV. 

" Into a pond I then was thrown 
To drown ! — and had I only known, 

There had I ended all, 
Ere years of hardships when I stood 
Alone, unfriended in the wood. 

The pest and curse of all ! 

LXXVI. 

" I drifted to the shore — to strand 1 
A helpless thing upon the sand 

I lay, — a waif, — forgot! — 
Why need I tell how I fared then? 
I would not live through'tall again,. 

If Heaven crowned mv lot ! 



THE LIFE OF DESPICABLE TOM. f.8 

LXXVII. 
" In outlawry I soon grew up, 
Drinking to dregs the brimming cup 

That Hate extended me ; 
I took up arms against the world !; — 
I spat at it ! — it called me ' churl ' I — 
My hopes were all at sea ! 

LXXVIII. 

" Privations did I suffer? Pangs'? 
Yourself has seen where poisoned fangs 

Have torn my natural fell ! 
And this I think you '11 not forget 
When I am gone : — yourself has set 

Fierce dogs on me ! — 'T is well ? 

LXXIX. 

"It was my due, perhaps,— but then. 
It killed the good that might have been ; 

It steeped my heart in hate ; 
And when I would forget the past, 
It nudges me ! — and so at last 

Repentance comes — too late ! 

LXXX. 

" To be a foot-pad for the world 
To kick and buffet, makes the churl. 

And add to that the brand 
A thief must bear — which now marks me ! — 
And then ? — I 've prospered as you see: 
The guiltiest in the land ! 

LXXXI. 

" While shadowed thus Miss Puss came by, 
And found it in her heart to sigh 

For me, base as I was ! 
And then — But let me not disgrace 
That fair name more, which if I trace 

My tale I must : —I pausR ! 



64 THOUGHT THROBS. 

LXXXII. 

" Poor heart ! remember this : A joy 
Thou never hadst but when to toy 

Thou foundst it empty bliss! 
A bubble, light as air: — no more! 
Too soon to burst ! — 'T was ever so !— 
And so my love was this ! 

LXXXIII. 

"A stern school-master is this world! 
The lessons taught too often hurl 

Some struggling one below ; 
While such as I — but I forbear 
To i^lead excuse, full well aware 

My sins have left me so! 

LXXXIV. 

"' Why did I do this last outrage?' 
I can not tell ! nor can that sage 

Who has the world writ down ! 
Temptations rose I could not quell. 
And ere I knew, they did impel 

Me on — to then confound ! 

LXXXV. 

"The deed I did! That much is true! 
And now it is alone with you 

What shall be done with me ! 
All that I ask is that you say 
' Good-bye' to Puss for me to-day, 
Since her I can not see ! 

LXXXVI. 

"I'm ready now ! I ask no leave 
To pray ; for how could that relieve 

Me, guilty as I am ? 
Do with me as you will ! I '11 feel 
The sting that is my due ! — no weal 

Rewards a guilty sham ! " 



THE LIFE OF DESBICABLE TOM. (35 

LXXXVII. 

Thus ended, stood he meek ; his head 
Bowed low. To whom the master said : 

"All I can say is — ' Go ! ' 
That you have wronged us all, I see, 
But what to do with you, let me 
Say here, ' I do not know ! ' " 

LXXXVIII. 

No second bidding did Tom wait, 
But sti'aight made for the open gate. 

His road lay far from thence ! 
He stopi)ed but once to glance around, 
Then quickened speed : for sure he found 

Tige chased him to the fence ! 

LXXXIX. 

Eeturn he did to his old haunts ; 
His cheerless paths, his bitter wants, 

His bed beneath the skies ! 
His head was bowed, his spirit low, 
His step grew laggard and more slow ; 

His bosom heaved with sighs ! 

xc. 
This fact it was now j^lain to see : 
His heart was broken ere 't was free ! 

He prayed alone for death ! 
Now Hatred seemed to him so lame ! 
And "sweet Eevenge?" — alas, how tame! — 

The fervor of a breath ! 

xci. 
Once afterward he found his way 
To the bird's nest; there did he stay 
While musing o'er the past. 
" What foolish things those birdlets were !" 
He muttered, hoping thus to cheer 
His soul's dark, gloomv cast! 
6 ' ■ 



66 THOUGHT THROBS. 

XCII. 
" Their silly mouths they opened wide 
Whenever either parent cried ! 
No choice they had in food, 
But gulped they all things down that dropp'd, 
No questions asked, no portion lopped ; 
But what the old bird would ! 

XCIII. 

" Who sure would want such things to live ? 
Not I ! nor would I succor give 

To foster such ! Their song 
Is all they have, and that repeat 
Till one is tired of such a treat!" 

He, solaced, moved along ! 

xciv. 
Some weeks thereafter there was found 
Beside the brook where the soft ground 

Was trampled down, some hair ; 
And this led to — by what foul terms ? — 
A body stiff in death! and worms 

High carnival held there ! 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



LOST. 

Once I stood all alone on the shore 

Where the blue Ocean waves grandly roll, 
Sweetly dreaming o'er days that of yore 

Held some memory dear to my soul. 
In the days that were gone I could see 

In my fancy a face that was fair — 
It was fair, truly fair," in my glee 

I would cry, softly cry, "It was fair:" — 
While I stood dreaming thus, o'er my head 

Fluttered Gulls, dark sea-gulls in the sky ; 
Fluttering there o'er my head this they said, 

This so plain that Refrain caught the cry :- 

"0! 

Look! 

Where the waters are surging and cold — 

Deep, deep in the sea sank a soul to Lethe ! 

Sank a soul that was fearless and bold : 

Down ! 

Down ! 

Sank it Down 

To the ground Where is found 

All the cold clammy caves of the — 

Deep!" 



68 THOUGHT THROBS. 

To the birds turned I then and their screams ; 

And I saw far beneath drifting hulls ! 
And my mind was rebuked for its dreams 

By this sight, and the cry of the gulls ! 
From those dreams I awoke with a start, 

With a start that my heart deeply felt; 
And I asked, as I felt that poor heart 

Sinking low in its fear as I knelt : 
" Did ye say, may I ask, did ye say 

That a Soul had been drowned in this Deep? 
That a Soul was here lost, did ye say ? 

In the Deep, in the Deep does it sleep?" 

"0, 
There ! 
In the waters so dark and so dee]^3 — 
• Down, down in the wave, lies a Soul in its grave, 
Lies it there in its grave, fain to sleep ! 
Save! 
Save ? 
Can ye save 
From the grave And the wave. 

This poor Soul lost to life and its — 
Hopes ? " 

"Ye that spake, did I hear you aright? 

Ye that spake, yet again to me speak ! 
Leave me not in this doubt and affright — 

Say it yea, say it nay, only speak ! 
Tell me why such a Soul should be lost 

In this sea rolling high o'er its dead ; 
Did he brave its fierce waves, angry tost, 

But to mock their wild rage and his dread ? 
Or to rescue a poor, sinking Life, 

Ventured he 'mong the rocks and the froth 
Of the waves lashing high, mad with strife, 

As they fall broken sprays — dashing — wroth ? 



MISCELLAXEO CS. 69 

0, 
Why? 
Can ye tell ? Must I guess ? Shall I know ?— 
Lost, lost in the deep was a Soul it will keep ! 
This ye say, and I hear nothing more ! 
Lost ? 
Lost! 
It was lost ! 
'Tis the cost Of life's boast ! 

And alone with its fear let it — 
Be!" 

This, and dumb Avere the Gulls to my cries, 

And the roar of the sea scorned my grief, 
And the world seemed to me and the skies, 

Mute reproof to my prayer for relief ! 
Cold were they to the pangs that I felt, 

Cold were they as the ice-hoar of frost. 
Cold was I, but with fear as I knelt, 

Knelt to hear from the grave and the Lost ! 
But no voice from the dead broke the spell — 

Only this, as an echo to thought. 
Upward swelled as a knell from deep hell — 

LTpward swelled and my mind set distraught : 

"O! • 
Hist ! 
Ask you not for the Lost nor its fate ! 
Black, black is the gloom of the Soul when its doom 
Is to lie in the bosom of Hate ! 
Soon, 
Soon, 
All too soon 
Comes the tomb With its gloom, 

Which shall then hold this Life as its — 
Boon ! " 



70 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Then before me there rode on the wave 

A weird, shadowy Ghoul, ghastly white ! 
Striding there o'er the wave, to the grave 

In the deep, pointing down did the wight ! 
And his long, bony fingers were bare, 

And a wild, cruel smile lit his face, 
And his eyes flashed their hate and his hair 

Scattered was o'er a face reft of grace ! 
" Lost ! " it cried, " lost it was in the Deep ! 

Swiftly down sank it there where you see 
That huge rock — gurgling sunk to its sleep ! 

'O, 

Where?' 

Comes the cry of the soul in its pride — 

Strong, strong in its might, it would set all aright, 

But the sea sweeps away with its tide ! 

There ! 

There ! 

See It there ? 

Pale and bare — Once so fair ! 

But it now is to fishes, their — 

Food ! " 

Then the waves at its beck seemed to part ; 

Opened full to my gaze was the Deep, 
And I saw far beneath with a start, 

Such a sight that to tell were to weep ! 
Pillowed there on a rock was a head. 

With a form, cold and stiff, hung beside. 
And with arms wildly thrown, as if dread 

Of some monster o' the Deep, ill betide ! 
There It lay, stark and white, in the sand, 

Where the fishes and clams of the reef, 
Hungry, fed, while perhaps on the laad 

Far away, wept some lone love in grief ! 



MISCELLAXEO US. 

0, 
Then ! 

Did the Corse stand erect, and it groped ! 
Dark, darlv the place grew where it was, till I knew 
That the gates of the Dead had been oped ! 
Gloom ! 
Gloom ! 
Deathly Gloom 
Settled soon In the Tomb, 

And I saw all the World in there — 
Too! 

Like a dream, horrid dream, was it gone ; 

And I stood all alone once again — 
Once again with my dream all alone ! 

But the fair picture now, which had then 
So beguiled my wrapt soul in delight, 

Was no more ; but instead only fear, 
Nameless fear, for that sight had to fright 

Turned my hopes and my faith and my cheer. 
What were Life and its love and its care ? 

Or the peace or the rest that all crave, 
Weighed with this: that itself 's doomed to share 

With the Lost this dark Night and the grave? 

"0, 

Then ! " 
Sounds the echo once more, strangely loud, 
"Lost! lost shall ye be, yet on land or at sea. 
For all Life bows to Death and its shroud ! " 
Death ! 
Death ! 
Unto Death, 
Yields the Breath — Unto Death, 

And this Life by its fate sinks at — 
Last I 



72 • THOUGHT THROBS. 



SUNSET IN THE ROCKIES. 

The snow-capped peak that crowned the mount, the rivulet below, 
Whose glist'ning waters, limpid, pure, came from beneath the 

snow ; 
The distant hills, the horizon bright with the setting sun, 
The dark'ning skies, the peeping stars — all told that night had 

come ! 
'T was sunset in the Rockies, gloom would settle soon o'er all the 

earth ; 
But yet awhile the golden rays seemed ling' ring on the mountain 

girth. 

I stood upon a hazy peak and watched the gloaming fade ; 
I saw the mantle of the Night steal over hill and glade ; 
Below I heard coyotes bark, the wolf's more dismal howl, 
And wilder still there came the hoot of some poor, lonely owl : 
Sonae camp-fires burned on plains below, their flick'ring lights 

like fire-flies glow ; 
But who were gathered there around in company, I did not know. 

The world was one forsaken wild, that much I then did feel ; 
No place for me, no company, no word to my appeal; 
My youth's bright home I longed to see, and thought I saw its fires, 
And seated 'round the glowing hearth — the sweet dream still 



inspires 



The bright illusion could not last ; I was still on the mountain 

bare ; 
The chill of night dispelled the warmth I thought I felt in dreams 

out there ! 

That home I now confess I left renouncing all its claims, 

Led hither, thither, weary ways, o'er hills and trackless mains ; 

An Ignis Fatuus of report had guided me so bold. 

In search of that men struggle for — the glittering stuff called 

" Gold ! " 
But here I'd reached my journey's end, to find that cherished 

goal not yet ! 
My limbs so wearied with their tramp, my clothes with moun- 
tain dew so wet ! 



MISCELLANEOUS. 7:5 

The night was one of flitful dreams, sad battle-fields of Hope, 
Wherein bright Promise fought with Fear, and Want with all did 

cope ; 
I knew me then that safety lay in fast-returning step, 
But scorned to take a backward course, so, chilled, I lay and — slept ! 
The hoots died out, the howls were hushed, the twinkling stars 

were all that moved : 
Sleep crept upon the world to rest : — the rising sun alone reproved I 



ON THE STREET. 

" Fruit, sir? or flowers?" — "Can I sing you a song?" 
" Only a penny, sir, to help me along ! " 
" Mother at home, sir, will weep till I come : 
I' m the dependence — please, won't you give me some ? " 
Many the faces, varied the cries ; 
Cold is the sympathy, bitter the skies; 
Weary and faint moves the throng with its sighs ! 
Trailing, trailing life's weary way, 
Traipsing, traipsing day after day — 
After the sheckels, 

After the gold. 
To buy the world's favor — 
For so is it sold ! 

" Sick, sir, and dying — so they all think ! " 
" Give me a dime, sir, to buy me a drink ! 

My tongue is so parched, my throat is so dry " — 
"Will you, kind sir, let my jjoor father die? " 
Many the faces, varied the cries ; 
Cold is the sympathy, bitter the skies; 
Weary and faint moves the throng with its sighs ! 
Begging, begging this one and that ; 
Praying, staying, holding out hat! 
After the nickels, 
After the stuff 
That hardens man's heart, 
Now callous enough ! 



74 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Woman and maid ; little barefooted child 

With piteous face and bleared eyes that seem wild ! 

Lame, hobbling man^life's burden and yoke 

His head has brought low, awaiting death's stroke! 

Many the faces, varied the cries ; 

Cold is the sympathy, bitter the skies ; 

Weary and faint moves the throng with its sighs! 

Trailing, trailing life's weary way, 

Traipsing, traipsing day after day — 

After the sheckels. 
After the gold, 

To buy the world's favor — 
For so is it sold ! 



Plaintive and thrilling, drunken fustian and gruff, 

Comes the cry from the weak, the trembling, the rough \ 

The -red-eyed of Sorrow for pity looks up ; 

Holds out to sweet charity the platter or cup ! 

Many the faces, varied the cries ; 

Cold is the sympathy, bitter the skies ; 

Weary and faint moves the throng with its sighs ! 

Crying, crying, sore is its grief ; 

Trying, prying after relief — 

After the pennies, 
After the ease. 

Purchased with money 
And licensed to please ! 

Come ragged and tattered, then flashy and proud, — 

So mingle the throngs in one mad, surging crowd ! 

The strong and the weak to jostle together : 

The one trampled down makes room for the other! 

Many the faces, varied the cries ; 

Cold is the sympathy, bitter the skies ; 

Wearv and faint moves the throng with its sighs ! 



MISCELLANEO US. 

Trailing, trailing life's weary way, 
Traipsing, traipsing day after day- 
After the sheckels, 

After the gold. 
To buy the world's favor — 
For so is it sold ! 



UNREALIZED. 

A PICTURE. 

It was a picture fair, I saw — I dreamed ! 
My mind, then, wrapt in self, essayed to hold 
As it were real and all of that it seemed ! 
A vision rare, outlined in contours bold, 
Cold to that heart alone which Fact hath told 
The sterner truth, that dreams which wish inspires 
To kindle up sweet Hope, may blanch it cold ; 
And that fair thing which starts and quick inspires. 
Is all a dream itself — phantom of souls' desires ! 

But let the head lie pillowed so and dream! 
'T is all thai man can draw of comfort here, 
Where shams still breed and ills, so countless, .teem 
Within the world — so little left to cheer! 
Let Fancy come and smooth away this care ! 
It were a boon if but one ill it drove 
Beyond the pale of thought, or left it sear 
Of rank and bitter sting ! The Heavens move 
To him imagined still, and facts alone disprove. 

'T is here again — the vision which I saw ! 
There stands a creature fair beyond compare ! 
Dark eyes has she, or blue? By what set law 
Is beauty judged? By brown or golden hair? 
Methinks she can have neither, still be fair! 



7(; THOUGHT THROBS. 

Compounded both, in whom your love can trace 
The starry eyes of blue, the sombre lair 
Of wish, which holds and hides uot w^om'nly grace — 
And grace we know, lies not alone in woman's face I 

Conceive her as you will: her dark or fair, 
With flowing hair of gold, or auburn hue ; 
Or hazel eyes or blue — I do not care ! 
The picture I would draw and paint for you, 
Is of a Semblance that I would were true ! 
The creature bears a queenly mien, and love, 
Unfeigned, beams from her face to rich imbue 
The countenance of Doubt to all approve ; 
And Spite, beneath that gaze, would fain but can uot move ! 

I gaze within those eyes, so bottomless ! 
I read within their depths of hope and cheer ; 
I gather courage that this life may bless ; 
I con brave thoughts to quicken life, so drear— 
I find a solace there for every care ! 
How dead is Faith to realize this truth : 
Due to imagination is all here ! 
The world is just as bare, I fear, forsooth, 
As ever to that eye which sees no visioned truth ! 

This vision would be mother — sister — wife ! 
It hovers round us in our fitful dreams ! 
It would console and shield us from the strife 
That life forever wages for its means. 
And so such facts awaken these sweet dreams 
When all the bustle of a busy world, 
And all the feculent ills its tempest teems, 
Are jostled here in life to make the world 
A pit of sin, — transform vain man into a churl ! 

The picture is of one whose every act 
Is measured by the virtue of a heart — 
A heart that knows no irony of fact, 
Nor holds distemper as a petted part; 



MISCELLA XEO US. 

Man's love and not his liate to 'rouse and start! 
Faith can not hold the goal of life too high, 
Nor stamp too deep the tablets of a man's heart 
With such an image, blown of woman's sigh 
Breathed for his woe and weal — the world to help defy ! 

My heart still follows all the throngs I see, 
For likeness of this image of my mind ; 
I can not tell it "Things can never be 
As imaged in a dream ! " Despair will find 
It soon enough ! — be yet a little kind ! 
Bad faith may forfeit all our trust in life, 
But what proves it to benefit mankind? 
If sad experience be one fruitless strife, 
Then let us die still hoping, trusting this our life ! 

OBITER DICTUM. 

LINES Ois^ AN OLD NEWSPAPER FILE. 

'T is but a file of papers lying here ! 

A heap of rubbish worn and faded dim. 
Which Time has marked and left a fingered rim 
To catch the dust that Age has sprinkled there — 
A worm-eat record, one must needs declare ! 

Record of deeds and moments then of life, 
That stirred the souls of all who saw their acts 
Reprinted in a paper; startling facts 

That told too well of selfish, worldly strife, 

Contended e'er in battle fierce for life ! 

A chronicle of days now fled and gone. 

When, mayhap, pleasure dwelt with you and me. 
To cheer the hours of doubt, or else to free 

A burdened heart which Faith had failed to warn 

Against the ills existence can not scorn. 



78 THOUGHT THROBS. 

No greatness of a few lies buried tliere ! 
The musty papers epitaph them all, 
In humble ranks or great; in every call 
Subsistence urges man for his welfare, 
To gain the means of life, or flee despair. 

'Tis birth and marriage — death! A shifting light 
Reflected to us now, which else were dead 
If memory alone still filled the head 
Unaided by this stamped and ink-chained flight 
Of events past, here mould'ring in such plight ! 

Roll back thy scroll, thou dark horizoned Past! 
Let evanescent Time reshif t his scenes : 
Behold again dead Life without the screens 
That hid it live — with Honor's varying cast, 
Which grins, or smiles, or frowns — no longer masked ! 

Much that was seen was but a fashioned lie 
That Action wove to apron all its deeds, 
Or Cant then wrought to visor up its creeds ; 
Now seen without, we can this truth espy: 
The rankest lie may all but Time defy ! 

Thy stories were of sickness, death, and love ! 
Of Life but come to life to share the state 
Ordained for it — if true this law of Fate — 
Or else to fare in tempest like a dove 
Flown from some Ark or Covenant of love ! 

Few resting places in a world of Waste, 
Wherein the waves of Hate e'er swell and roll. 
Contented not and scorning all control ; 
No resting twig, indeed, to him in haste 
To find the goal of life, its pleasures taste I 



MISCELLA NEO US. 79 

The young which then did prattle 'round some knee, 
Are silver-haired and bowed with age to-day ! — 
This fiat of stern Nature all obey ! 

And Youth and Beauty with their grace still flee 

The sunset of life — so let it be ! 

Those then with whom Fame dwelt are buried now ; 
Their graves are sunk and overgrown with moss — 
The marble shaft alone, with tow' ring cross, 
Tells where they lie, and fair inscription how 
Their lives were passed — at least this much allow! 

Their sorrows were as keen, perhaps, as ours. 

Who knows what grief may then have rent their hearts, 
Of which we know not now, nor wish such smarts ? 
So with the hand of Love we scatter flowers, 
Nor try repress the tear-drop's bursting showers ! 

And memory can linger 'round them still. 
New wakened by this dingy roll of print, 
So faded by the lapse of time ; whose stint 

Marks all too plainly that relentless will 

That leaves to dark oblivion futile skill ? 

Their fond, ambitious hopes we know not of, 
And can but only guess from what we feel — 
Forgetfulness doth surely theirs conceal, 

Which, if they had. Time cast as moulted slough. 

And destiny remembers but to scoff! 

Age yields no recompense to hopes of Youth- — 
If we may judge from records lying sere : 
How few the names remembered now, which here 

Are entered as the marks — so says this sooth — 

For lasting Fame to light upon, in truth ! 



so THOUGHT THROBS. 

Shall all our hopes of future come to such? 
Shall faded sheets alone tell us of Avhen 
This life has come to naught we now defend ? 
Shall we for all life's ills be paid so much 
As rots upon this thing so frail to touch? 

Lie there ! thou spokesman of ambitions dead ! 
If thou art all the meed of man's life work, 
We wonder not to find them yet who shirk 
The duty life imposes, which the head 
Brings to the grave — a hapless captive led ! 

Epitome of history ? — not that : 
For all the var'ing changes are marked here — 
The greatest and the least, cheerful and drear. 
To the minutest detail and fiat 
Of true or false report, for all of that ! 

Thou art now doomed as food for moths, withal ! 

Who cares what fate befalls thee at this day ? 

Philosophy alone would have thee stay 
To mock our hopeful dreams by thy recall, 
Which shows us the reward Time pays to all. 

SIC SCRIBERETUB. 

" Hie jacerent ambitiones — Mortum ! " 

Inscription scrolled by fate, we must confess ! 
Lo! then and now! Dust and Forgetfulness 
The tomb itself will soon or late consume. 
And Time will onward move, and Age will doom ! 



NOTHING TO DO BUT GROW LANGUID AND LOVE. 

When soft summer-winds gently sway the green trees. 
And butterflies lazily float on the breeze ; 
When clouds in their richness do cream the deep blue, 
A haziness skims the sky-vault with its hue, 



MISCELLA XEO US. 81 

And flowers in perfume so welcome the day, 

And reflect their rich glow on the high arch above ; 
The heart that is listless will glance up to say : 
" Nothing to do but grow languid and love." 

A picture then comes so enchantingly fair, 
Where lovers and flowers so equally share 
The balmy sweet shade ; where maids, decolette,^ 
In garments so loose, hold hearts to their sway ; 
Where eyes speak the soul, and tongues tell the tale 

No triteness can mar (for the story of love 
Will live in its youth), and the moment we hail — 
" Nothing to do but grow languid and love." 

The forest, the streams, the wide sunny glades, 
The frolicsome boys, and the dreamy-eyed maids ; 
The hammocks and swings, the lawn-tennis greens. 
The nooks and the crannies, the vine-trellised screens. 
And every odd place of a summer resort, 

All whisper of that which the heart can so move ; 
When the world with its bustles and ills are as naught — 
" Nothing to do but grow languid and love." 

While babbling brooks, leaping pebbles and falls, 
Roll on to the sea, their laughter recalls 
Deep memories hidden away in our hearts, 
When we were as young as the love that now starts 
The fond recollections to dreaming again 

Of sunshine and summer; the sweet, trusting dove 
That nestled with us! — What humor, my pen? — 
" Nothing to do but grow languid and love." 

*Dai-kol-tai, is the way the French ]irouoinict' it : Webster says rla-liol-le-ta. 
I measure according to the Frencli. 



82 THOUGHT THROBS. 



CONSOLATION. 



Hast thou not felt some time when faint and worn 
And stifling in the sultry heat of night, 
A cool, refreshing breeze that playf'ly comes 
To fan and kiss the heated brow as might 
Some Mercy, ere to fetid breath succumbs 

The mortal spark so weary grown ? 

It is an angel's kiss imprinted there! 
An angel whom sweet Pity hath brought near, 
By arts unknown to thee, to so behold 
Thy grief and pressing need, bestowing cheer, 
And soothing weary senses to the scold 

Of bitter thoughts that fain would scare. 

Hast thou not seen amid the darkest hour 
That falls to human lot in low despair, 
A passing flash of something sweet in life, 
Which softly lights each dreary groveling care? 
A something that can come to us when strife 

Would blast the heart's benignest power ? 

'T is Hope that flashes then his cheerful light, 
And buoys the sunken soul aloft again, 
Where thoughts may revel in the realms of day. 
Forgetting all their ills and thi'obs of pain, 
And leaving all their doubts upon the way 

That leads from darker regions of the night. 



THE ELEMENTS. 

Who can, when scudding Winds sweep by 
To die away with moan and piteous sigh 
Within the woods beyond or on the plains or in the cove of man 
Where Fear and Wisdom dwell. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 88 

Tell whence or whither, why or what the Thing that rushes by 
with roar, 
To partly cool the fevered brow, to drown us if it can 
Within the frothy waters left that Storms did earthward pour? 
If any, let him tell! 

Ye Elements, come whisper now ! 
Tell me your essence and your being, how 
Ye can remain a marvel yet to prying eyes and Wisdom's ken, 

That knows and delves so deep, 
When Earth and all the Space beyond have opened to man's wish 
their range, 
Instructing him in Mysteries and all they may portend — 
Infinity and Atoms and Deific truths more strange — 
Your secret I will keep ! 

Your secret I will keep until 
I deem it best to set aside your will 
And tell the world the object and the cause of all your rage and 
storm ; 
Why willfully ye sweep 
The land and sea and set the world at naught and baffie Life and 
cry 
As though ye pity felt for death, or sorrow that your harm 
Can not end all and heap debris in mountains heaven high ! 
Like Niobe ye weep? 

No pitying tear bedews tho?e eyes! 
Those ears are dumb to wailing human cries! 
Ye scorn complaint and laugh at low-bowed heads and suppliant 
hands so raised 
To you in mercy's clasp ! 
Your tears in anger fall, and weeping comes to you when ye are 
crossed 
By any of your fellows in the sky, or, God be praised, 
When any of your mandates are rebuked, or actions lost, 
Or victim 'scapes your grasp ! 



84 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Your secret I will tell if harm — 
" Ha ! ha! " I hear ye laugh as though in scorn ! 
As if ye held me false and weak to truth as any words ye speak, 

When whisp'ring, ye would say: 
" Come hither gentle folks and meet within the shade of swaying 
trees ; 
The Elements at peace have naught to wrangle o'er or wreak 
Upon your heads ; we '11 kiss your heated brows with gentle 
breeze" — 
To bring a rainy day ! 

Ye once were meek within the wold — 
If we may now believe the story told 
Of ^olus and his great rock-ribbed cave whose portals held ye 
fast — 
Fierce Venti of his storm ! 
But who now holds control within your world, or there can 
draw tJie rein 
To still the maelstrom of your peevish rage, or curb the blast 
That sweeps cyclonic onward with its dashing, blinding rain. 
Regardless of all harm ? 

Are Zephyrus and Eurus there? 
And love they as of old that Flora fair? 
Or has grim Corus flung them back and Aquilo now stung to 
death 
The object of their love ? 
Cold Boreas delights in storms, and Auster in some hurricane 
That wrecks the work of feeble Man and takes his gasping 

breath ! 
Do they alone now rule that Realm, or they alone remain 
Who will not yield to love ? 

Within yon fleecy depth of clouds. 
Which, hung above the horizon, seem shrouds 
To nature's loveliness and calm, or background to her beauteous 
show. 



MISCELLA NEO US. 85 

Can angry Tempests hide ? 
Sometimes within the ether' al eyries of the Winds strange broods 
come forth : 
Sometimes from azure skies we hear a rumbling sound of woe : 
Who knows but that the king of Storm and Prince of Peace 
may botli 
Be one and there abide ? 

Be it a union of this Kest and Eage ! 
Incessant war we find on earth they wage : 
Charge, Aquilo and Auster ! Boreas ! — brave Zephyr to defend, 

Or Eurus to foretell ! 
Simoon, Sirocco, ho ! with fever-parching breath, mephitic still — 
Can Bluster cool thy reddened sky, or thy distemper mend ? 
Tornadoes will oppose and bless the things that ye Avould kill, 
Though wasting much as well ! 

At midnight we can feel the breath 
Of torrid Hell that spreads so much of death. 
And are, then, thankful if ye will but bring your lightning and 
your crash, 
Your thunderbolt to fears ; 
Your wildest Elements turn loose beyond the reach of curb or 
sway ; 
The Nimbus of the Torrent squeeze ; its waters earthward dash ; 
Your rushing winds, your scudding clouds, your coruscating 
play ; 
Your angry storm of tears ! 

Eoar, whistle, bluster ! onward roar. 
And let your pelting rains descending pour! 
The torrents and the floods that hence may spring to devastate 
the earth, 
Will do some good withal ! 
Though sweeping 'way the Life that is and all that can not stem 
your course, 



86 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Ye, in creative recklessness ye aim not at, give birth 
To newer Life and Sentiency : perhaps with will and force 
To seize and bi'eak your thrall ! 

Most changeable of things that change ! 

To note the many phases and the range 

Of elements with you, is past all comprehension's wit to know ; 

Your ready self is seen 
Sometimes within the azure blue, sometimes in flying clouds of 
May ; 
Sometimes in grayish Cumuli that sift the drifting snow! 
In March ye howl and roar and sigh, in April weep each day — 
In all the same. I ween ! 

Yet Comprehension's wit, though slow 
To grasp each secret impulse so to know. 
In manner, all the manifolds of things within that hidden space — 

Your own unbounded Realm — 
May learn so much of your infinity, the laws which such obey. 
That wisdom's formulae may circumscribe your will and trace 
Each motive to its cause ; — or tell us why yon clouds to-day 
Hang 'twixt us, cirro-film! 

Thou Thonar, Tonans, or what-not ! 
These modern Thinkers have so far forgot 
Thy thundering-self, and what propitiations are they due and 
meed 
(Since thou molest them not), 
That they have pointed barbs to catch thy strength and turn its 
flash to light 
To cheat the Gloom the Day has set to space its strides ! Indeed, 
As harnessed lambs they 've chained infuriate Winds in all 
their might, 
To call them "Trade," I wot! 

Ye hold deep secrets yet, although 
This prying Science more and more 
Unravels all the mysteries that once enshrouded you from view : 
Your altar desecrates. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 87 

And strips the mounts, lone agons for your feats unseen, of cling- 
ing haze, 
And shows beyond the shifting currents marking the pale blue, 
That brings us calm, sunshine and rain, and every varying 
phase 
We once thought due to Fate! 

Keep secret then all that ye will ! 
I tell you man will delve and work until 
Those secrets are his own, and ye, what sort of meteoric things 

Ye are in kind, forsooth ! 
Your prestige will be known, and ye yourselves base servants 
thence to be 
To Wish and Will, and bear upon your nature's swiftest wings 
Prognostics of the things ye now conceal ; and all will see 
You base and know the truth ! 



CONEMAUGH.^ 

I. 
The sun ne'er shone on fairer vale 

Than stretched beside the Conemaugh : 
A green expanse, a fertile dale 

Sunk in the mountain bosom far, 
And watered by a rippling stream. 
Whose murm'rings were to whisp'ring Dream 
A pebbled voice that spoke of thrift 
Along its banks and sandy drift — 

This swift, pellucid Conemaugh ! 

II. 
Blue Alleghanies ranged it round ; 

Stood bulwark to fierce storms without ; 
And roaring Winds would soften down, 

As scudding thunder clouds about, 
They 'd reach this happy vale wherein 
Wrapt Peace and Ease had so long been ! 

iConemaugh: A river, a town, and an artificial lake or reservoir, situated 
in the Alleghany range of mountains that traverse the western part of Penn- 
sylvania. The river empties itself into the Kiskiminitas, which flows into the 
Alleghany River, one of the soi;rces of the Ohio. The town was built in a fer- 
tile valley on the hanks of the river, and contained some 2,500 inhabitants at 
the time of its destruction. May the 31st, 1889. The lake was formed in a moun- 
tain basin by damming the flow of the South Fork River, a branch of the Cone- 
maugh. In size the lake was some five miles long by from one and a half to 
two miles wide, and the water, in most parts, was over one hundred feet deep. 
The bursting of the dam was the occasion of great havoc and destruction to 
life and property, the immense volume of Avater pouring out of the basin and 
upon the inhabitants of the valleys below, with the swiftness, majesty, and 
fearful force of an Alpine Avalanche, the entire lake emptying itself in the 
space of one hour, while so sudden and so awful was the flow that thousands 
were caught before they could realize their danger and escape, and so they 
were swept as the leaves of the forest, and, struggling in their helplessness, 
perished in the angry flood. 



CONEMA UGII. 89 

III. 
The streams were filled with fish, the hills 
With other games for idle skills : 
And so the place became resort 
To pleasure seekers, those who sought 
To so withdraw from all the strife 
Entailed upon a bustling life. 

IV. 

And there was met the Wealth of lands ; '■ 
And there was regal Beauty's grace ; 

Upon those cliffs and mountain sands 
Assembled once the favored Kace 

To pass the hours in listless ease, 

Each varying sentiment to please ! 

V. 
Contentment, though, was never found! 

Inventive eye of man perceived 
What would perhaps his pleasures crown : 

A happy thought his mind conceived! 
Within yon mountain basin stood 
A limpid lake once in the wood : - 
A lake that Sport might find of use : — 
And no one dreamed of its abuse ! 

VI. 

Between two jutting mountains where 
The stream meandered swiftly through, 

A dam they then constructed there — 
A lake within the basin grew ! 

A lake of silv'ry waters, clear ; 

A smooth, romantic, mountain meer ! 

1 Millionaires had formed a club for the enjoymeut of this earthly Eden. 

-The dam had been built about sixty years before this, but washed away 
the first time in about ten years afterward. It did no damage the first time it 
burst, because the valleys were sparsely settled. 



90 THOUGHT THROBS. 

VII. 
It grew and swelled and spread abroad, 

And slowly climbed the cliffs around, 
Its waters rushing with accord 

Into the grottos which they found ; 
And loud the roar when in they swept : — 
The tide up, up the dam still crept ! 

VIII. 

The dam was long and broad and deep ; ^ 

The place whereon 'twas built was steep 

And far above the plains below 

So fertile in the sunlight's glow : 

A mountain lake for Sport and Ease, 

Where Pleasure could find much to please ; 

But better yet, it served to turn 

The wheel of Industry to earn 

The bread of sustenance for those 

Whom hardships in this world oppose : 

Perhaps it ran a water-way 

To cities far beyond ; ^ to-day, 

We realize it did not pay! 

IX. 

Thrift built up towns when this was done ; 
And towns, too soon for good, begun 
To swell to cities, when the vale 
Was as a garden 'long the trail 
Of Progress with its busied life. 
Where all is bustle, struggle, strife. 

X. 

Perhaps thrice ten and thousands more — ^ 
No one can tell, no one can know — 

1 About 1,000 feet long, 110 feet high, and 90 feet thick, and it was about 200 
or 300 feet above the towns below. Fully 800 feet above Johnstown. 

2 The reservoir was used for supplying water for the Pennsylvania canal at 
one time. 

3 Some say 30,000; some say 40,000 people lived in the valley. South Fork 
contained 2,000; Mineral Point, 800; Conemaugh, 2,500 ; Woodvale, 2,000 ; and 
Johnstown and suburbs, 25,000 or 30,000 inhabitants. 



CONEMA UGH. 91 

In May of Eighteen eightj'-nine — 

No dream of wrath or Wrath's design — 

Resided in that mountain glen : 

Each plying there his wonted trade ; 
To needs of life all would attend 

And mend the breach ill-fortune made : 
And many brunts had they withstood 
As well as thrifty people should. 

XI. 

On South Fork not so far below, ^ 

A village stood whereon a glow 

Fell from the lake which lay above, 

As though a smile of welcome love 

There rippled in its sheeny waves, 

Eefiecting all the golden rays 

The Sun bestowed to light the shade 

The falling Twilight soon had made 

Within the bosom of the vale, 

Where mountain Shadows ghost-like trail. 

XII. 

Then Mineral Point ^ and Conemaugh, ^ 
And Woodvale, too, lay not so far 
Below upon the stream that led 
From lake above and onward sped 
To greater waters miles ahead. 
Johnstown with all its suburbs stood ^ 
On that same stream whose waters could 
Turn turbins for the millman's use 

Or fill canals or other way.'-. 
Or cleanse the citj^ of refuse. 

Or shoot aloft in fountain sprays : 
For Wealth had reservoired its flow, 
And rainbows sparkled in its glow I 

1 South Fork lay about four miles below the dam at the juuction of the 
Conemaugh and South Fork rivers : four miles further down was Mineral 
Point : six miles lower still was the town of Conemaugh : Woodvale lay a mile 
below Conemaugh, and a mile down from there was Johnstown with its sub- 
urbs of Cambria City and Conemaugh borough. 



92 THOUGHT THROBS. 

XIII. 
The Iron-furnace blast was seen ; 

The boiler-makers' ring was heard ; 
The tiller toiled and sung, I ween, 

His tuneless song with deed for word : 
The Artisan applied his rule 

And fitted timbers joints with joints; 
The happy children home from school 

Would play and scamper on the points 
That jutted in the laughing stream, 
Without a thought, without a dream 
Of coming danger, when that shore 
They trod upon would be no more ! 

XIV. 

Fate holds his secrets well on earth ! — 
Some festal hours were given mirth, — 
Some died, some married, some had birth ; 
And Love beheld them grown in state 
And manhood up to man's estate, 
Crowned with the honors of the day, 
Crowned with the things for which men pray, 
Crowned with propriety and worth, 
Reflecting credit on their birth : — 
The hum of healthy Life rang on, 
Fate frowned and hushed its cheerful song! 

XV. 

A Friday dawned, the last of May, ^ 
A dank and lowering, gloomy day : 
Yet naught it presaged of the doom. 
With all its drizzling rains and gloom, 
That soon would fall upon that scene 
As some wild, fierce, destroying Fiend, 
To wreck and scatter all therein, 
Leave waste, debris, and utter ruin ! 

1 1 remember the day : it was a cold, foggy, disagreeable day ; one long to be 
remembered for the time of year. 



COXEMAir^H. 93 

XVI. 

The towns lay in the valley there, 

Their people wrapt in deep repose, 
To danger gave no passing care, 

Nor heard what wisdom would disclose; 
The louder cries of Wealth and Trade 
Were heard, and sooner far obeyed : 
Each to his calling early went, 
Each on some duty closely bent ; 
The noon-day found them still employed — 
The night, the thing they wrought — destroyed ! 

XVII. 
Some workmen went to do repairs ^ 

Upon the dam which leaked, 't was said ; 
And there they found much ground for cares — 

A rise had swelled the lake's full bed ! 
And now they tell : — but then they knew 
The water in the basin grew 
And rose a foot with every hour^ 
Until no mortal hand or power 
Could hold or stem such flood as then 
Rolled in that upper mountain glen ! 
Still worked they on until the flow 
Rushed o'er the dam with fearful roar: 
And then that mud-daubed thing of man. 
Slow swayed and trembled through its span, 
And, bursting from its base and stay, 
It let the Waters have their way!' 

XVIII. 

One could then noDe the plains below ; 
One could then hear the hum and roar 

1 Workmen went early that morning to repair reported breaks in the dam. 

2 Statements of those who worked that day upon the dam. 

3 " The dam broke in the center at 3 o'clock on Friday afternoon, and at 4 
o'clock the lake was gone. The great body of water passed out in one hour."— 
Press Account. 



94 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Of Progress as it onward moved ; 

Each industry that such approved : 

Could see the blasts from chimneys blaze ; 

Life with its every changing phase; 

Its dwellings ranged on mountain side, 
The fields of verdant, growing grain, 
The valley stretch of rolling main — 

All waiting descent of the Tide ! 

A tide to sweep them in the sea 

Of wreck — and Immortality ! 

A sight that one could ne'er forget, 

Nor once efface a feature set ! 

XIX. 

We learn of noble efforts now,^ 
That some displayed to tell them how 
The waters rose within the lake ; — 
The danger if the dam should break ; — 
The leaks that had sprung there and there ; 
The volume, should the thing not bear. 
That would sweep down the valley side 
With fell destruction in its tide ! 
The courage that was then displayed, 
When weaker efforts were dismayed, 
Is worthy of most generous praise, 
Though futile good alone repays ! 

XX. 

The watchman gave alarm, 'tis true ; 
But he who heard the word then knew 
It all by heart, for day with day 
A warning some one had to say, 
Until, like speech of Jonah, none 
Believed it further than some one, 

1 Men were sent three or four times during tire day to warn the people of 
the danger, so it is claimed now. 



COXEMA UGH. 95 

As oft before, in jesting mood, 
Would frighten tliem if such he couid.^ 
They'd heard until their sense of fear 
Was dulled to those with words so drear 
That told of some new leak or breach. 
That spoke in doleful, warning speech: — 
So when the warning came that day, 
It moved no heart to feel dismay ! 

XXI. 

In face of doubt, in face of all 
The dangers that so threatened them. 
The warning came : — it might have been 

Far otherwise had then the fall 

Been seen, that now can but appall! 

Swift runners ran and word was borne 

By blasts from many a mountain horn : 

In vain, in vain ! such could not warn ! 

They went about their business still. 

Relying on the workman's skill ! 

XXII. 

'Tis said one held to " clicking key," 
Till waters in their raging glee 
Swelled all around her where she stood : 
'Mid terror and the waters wreck. 
The key-board sounded, "Quick, be quick! 
The dam is down ! the flood is here ! 
Its roaring waters I can hear ! 
And death awaits those who may stay 
Within the valley here to-day! " 
And many heard who '11 never know 
She perished in the rushing flow, 

1" Messengers had been sent down at each flood since the lake was made. 
The warning so often proved useless that little attention was paid to it this 
time."— One Report of the Disaster. 



96 THOUGHT THROBS. 

At Duty's post, at Duty's call — 
That message just before her fall ! ^ 

XXIII. 

A Paul Revere ^ knew its import, 

And saw the frightful sweep and heard 
The laughing Waves, as in mad sport 

They tossed and sunk; nor heeded word 
Of God or Mortal who might pray 
For less of ruin this fatal day ! 
He mounted steed in valor's haste ; 
He cast an eye upon the waste ; 
He Avhispered to his heart, " Be still ! " 
He nerved his soul and set his will. 
Then onward sped with flight of Fear, 
His eye undimm'd with Sorrow's tear ; 
Heroic, brave to save the rest. 
Although his own his heart confess'd 
Were then beneath the Flood and Wave, — 
There struggling in their wat'ry grave ! 

XXIV. 

" Eun for your lives ! " that hero cried ; 
" Run for the hills and there abide ! 

For see ! the Flood ! the Flood is here ! 

And all you love and hold most dear. 

Is lost, is lost if you linger here ! " 
And his brave steed dashed through the gaping town, 
And his hoof -beats came as a trumpet's sound, 
As he sped from sight where the road ran round 
A hill, that led to another town. 
And the people stared and they stared again. 
And they laughed to see such "frightful men," 
And they cried at his back, " Ho ! maniac, Ho ! " 
But their doom came soon and they did not know ! 

1 Mrs., Ogle, a noble telegraph operator, who died at her post of duty. 

2 A nameless liero who attempted to warn the people in the vallej^s below, 
and who was possibly drowned in his brave, though futile, efforts. 



CON EM A UGH. 97 

" XXV. 

The rider bold and his steed sped on: 

His will was set and he would yet warn 

Some wiser one of the Flood and Death 

That awaited every mortal Breath 

Which should linger there to meet their force, 

Or fail to withdraw from the fatal course! 

Like an angel of warning he onward flew — 

His horse broke out in a death-like dew — 

All white with the froth of his labors, when, 

He stumbled and fell on the roadside ; then 

Both horse and rider unconscious lay, 

And the Waves dashed o'er them there that day ! 

XXVI. 

Ah, fruitless all such efforts proved : 
The people gazed still all unmoved ! 
And so the waves that found them oat. 
And heeded not their wailing shout, 
Eeminded them of him they saw — 

The nameless rider on the flying steed, 
Who told them of the Conemaugh : 

Its flood, its rush, its frightful speed ! 

XXVII. 

'T was then two men ^ at South Fork heard — 
(Awaiting on a tower for word. 

Or signal for their train to leave) — 
A dull and distant, rumbling roar : 

A sound that could not well deceive, 
Though unlike any heard before ! 

It came from that blue lake so far 

Above — the lake of Conemaugh ! 

They saw the dam there crumble, fall ; 

An hundred feet of liquid wall 

iH. M. Bennett and S. W. Skilts, engineer and conductor of a Pennsylvania 
train. Their conduct on this occasion is open to divers comments. 



THOUGHT THROBS. 

Came toppling down on plains below — 
Some full three hundred feet or more — 
And on the fated village pour ! 

XXVIII. 

No nameless x'ider then was there 
To add a word of warning fear : 
None needed, and the time was short 
In which to leave or else be caught 
Within the dashing Flood and hurled 
Beyond the brink of mortal world ! 
Their locomotive stood near by ; 

Its venting steam told of its use : — 
No time had they to warn those nigh — 

Their safety spoke in their excuse ! 

XXIX. 

They loosed it from the cumbrous train ; 

They opened wide its throttle valve ; 
They dashed adown the valley plain — 

They thought alone of their own salve ! 
A glance behind revealed this fact : 
Their train was washed from off the track I 
And their companions roused to find 

Themselves at mercy of the Wave 
That swept from earth such feeble kind ! — 

They saw, but none himself could save ! 

Each struggled, but sank to his grave ! 

XXX. 

That iron creature onward flew 

To save its trembling, frightened crew — 

Its crew of two, who left the rest 

To sink or swim, or do their best ! 

They, feeling then but one life need : 

Of speed to save them, only speed ! 



cox EM A UGH. 99 

XXXI. 

They heaved into its throat of fire 

The vulcan stuff on which it fed; 
Its tongues of flame licked with desire 

The black food in its ember bed : 
It breathed and snorted blasts of smoke 

And scalding steam and sparks of fire, 
While every mighty piston stroke 

Was leap to 'scape the Water's ire ! 
Aroused it seemed to all at stake — 
Destruction surged within its wake ! 
From pilot there the trembling men 
Beheld the ruin and its trend ; 
Beheld the houses crush and fall 
Beneath the Avalanche's wall; 
Beheld all things to rock and sway, 
Borne on the waters — washed away ! 
And heard the stifled wail and cry 
Of him the Deluge caught — to die ! 
"Ah, stormy Avalanche of Wrath ! 
Who can escape thy widening path ? " 
No hope was for such mortals then — 
E'en doubtful to those fleeing men, 
Was such a ray of comfort found ! 
For with its maddest leap and bound, 
Their Steed of iron was gained upon ! — 
And Death might tell who vict'ry won ! 

XXXII. 

With desperation in their will, 

They strained each bolt and valve and rod 
The engine bared to searching skill : 
" Help ! " they cried, " O, help us God ! " 
And by the village Mineral Point, 

And o'er the bridge at Conemaugh, 
And through the town of Woodvale then, 
And down the shady, verdant sflen — 



100 THOUGHT THROBS. 

The engine throbbing every joint, 
Its tender rattling with the jar ! — 

They fled with bi'eathless haste to find 
Some place of refuge from the rage 

Of angry torrents unconfined, 

And Life the prey and dearest wage ! 

XXXIII. 

They reached the bridge below Johnstown- 

But there another horror found ! — 

The way debarred for further flight! 

A train stood there within full sight, 

Upon the track that led away ! — 

They could not go ! — they could not stay ! 

XXXIV. 

A rugged cliff stood near at hand : 
They leaped from out the cab and ran 
And scrambled up the rocks — to see 
The place they 'd left was one wild sea 
Of drifting wreckage in the lea ! 
The train and locomotive, all 

"Was swept as so much trash that lay 
Within the channel bed that day ! 
And sights and sounds did men appall ! 

XXXV. 

How fared the rest that could not leave 
On wings of steam ? nor could believe 
The words of manly warning spoke 
That had released them from the yoke 
Of Death, had they but laid aside 
Their doubts when told that ill betide ? 
How fared it then ? The tale will tell 
How many lived ; some few that fell 
Beneath the Cataract of Hell ! 



COXEMA UGH. 101 

But what the doonaed then felt ; what woe 
Then wrung the mind, no one can know — 
Save him, perhaps, whom Fortune flung 

Within the path of that wild Tide 
That he a moment might be stung 

By Death, but instant death denied ! 

XXXVI. 

Laocoons of false prophecy 

Had long prevailed against their fear ; 
And Faith believed that all were free, 

While Danger drew more near and near ! 
Who had not heard, who did not know 
The dam could hold the water's flow ? 
And unconfined — what torrent wave 
Could wreck what foresight thus might save? 

XXXVII. 

One, Coughknow,^ who lived years before. 
Once saw it break — long, long ago ! 
He said 't was sure to break again 
And flood this happy, peopled glen : — 
It might not come within his day — 
But even then 't was on its way ! 
The waters in the basin grew 
As if instinct with this one view ! 
The people laughed and thought him mad 
For his predictions, " woeful," " sad ! " — 
But what their judgment is to-day, 
No prophet need divine or say ! 

XXXVIII. 

For Coughknow, and that Nameless One 
Who rode to death to warn them, none, 
Perhaps, held great respect, but thought 
Their visioned doom too highly wrought: 

1 A prophet without honor in his own hind ! 



102 THOUGHT THROBS. 

For had not time proved such amiss 
So many times before? Ywis! 
So day had dawned when warning came 
Borne by the flood itself! — The blame 
May rest upon whome'er it will — 
Death reaped a harvest and his fill ! 

XXXIX. 

When roars and shrieks brought all without 
Their homes to learn the whereabout 
And whence of all the cries of grief — 
They saw — but sight was very brief ! ^ 
They saw the dearest thing of life — 
The husband saw the weeping wife, 
The wife her husband and her child, 
Swept into utter chaos wild ! 
The parents, all that hearts held dear — 

The lover and the lover's pride : — 
What profited a cry or tear ? 

What power could stop that rushing Tide ! 
A doom of fell Destruction then 
Was sweeping clean that mountain glen ! 



XL. 

And on it came so unawares 
It found reclining Ease in chairs ; 
It found the merchant weighing wares; 
It found its prophets full of cares : — 
Of cares because no one believed — 
Themselves had loitered thus deceived! 
To market and to church they went ; 
On business and on pleasure bent: 
The car-bells jingled on the street. 
And patter, patter sounded feet ! 
The tinsel and the things of State 
Were bought and sold, and loud debate 

iThe water was in and over the bouses before many even had time to 
escape through their doors. 



CONEMA UGH. 103 

Was heard within their halls when Fate 
Swooped down upon them in its hate ! 

XLI. 

And there was Wit and there was Mirth — 
A happy christ'ning and a birth ! 
A minister was reading prayer ; 

A bride and groom before him stood — 
The Deluge found them kneeling there, 

And bound them as no bands e'er could! ^ 
It bound them in the bonds of Death, 
It took away their gasping breath, 
And made for them an instant grave, 

And heaped them o'er with chapel ruin 
That fell before the madden'd Wave! 

A Avreck to Life and Hope ensuing ! 

XLII. 

The instant of its burst so found 
The people doomed : its rushing sound 
Awoke them to their dreadful fate — 
Awoke them, but it was too late!^ 
And frightened faces filled each door, 
And there was rushing to and fro ; 
And there was wailing and distress, 
And woes on woes, but no redress ! 
And people fell ujjon their knees 
And prayed to God that so it please 

i"A wedding was in progress in tlie Johnstown Methodist Church when 
the flood burst upon it. Tuesday afternoon the clearing up brigade reached 
the church, and in a few moments they unearthed the bodies of the bride aud 
groom with their attendants. The bride was a comely looking girl, evidently 
belonging to the working class. Her hands were outstretched in a pleading 
manner, and her features were distorted with terror." — Report of the Excavators. 

- " When the final break came at 3 o'clock, there was a sound like continuous 
peals of thunder ; trees, rocks, and earth were shot up in the air, and the waves 
started down the ravine. A farmer who escaped said that the water did not 
come down like a wave, but jumped on his house, aud beat it to fragments in 
an instant. He was safe upon tlie hill-side, l>nt his wife and two children were 
killed. "'—PreY^s Report. 



104 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Him, stay the rushing tide of death : — 
And thus they yielded up their breath ! 
And mothers tore their bosoms bare, 
And smote them in their wild despair ; 
And Manhood clinched its hands in grief; — 
But naught could save or bring relief! 
And bustle, jostle everywhere ; 
And shout and oath and cry and prayer, 
Were feeble all, to save them there ! 

XLIII. 

And timbers falling in the crush 

Would dash their brains upon the ground ; 
And then, the bodies on the rush, 

Were washed and eddied round and round 
Amid debris and froth and blood — 
The playthings of that furious Flood ! 
That furious Flood whose waters rose 

Above the houses standing there 
Within an instant, then to close 

And crush all man once held as fair f 
And to the drifts clung humankind : 
And mothers would to timbers bind 
Their screaming babes ; and husbands, then, 
The clinging, drowning mothers when 
They could there reach them ere they sunk 
Or floated on — a lifeless trunk ! 

XLIV. 

And we are told of braver deeds 

That challenge now the faith of creeds : — 

Of those who heard but would not leave 

Their crippled or their weak to grieve. 

Or die alone with no one nigh 

To answer with a sob their sigh ! 



CON EM A UGH. 105 

And wives at Woodvale heard the news, 
But love for those whom they would leave, 

Forbade them go, and by refuse 

They sank : for worlds to come to grieve ! ' 

But husbands labored in the mines 

And met their death in those confines! 

XLV. 

And thus the Deluge swept amain ; 
And thus it wrecked all in its train ; 
And thus it found the people then 
Who lived within that Eden glen ! 
And on its floods the houses swam ; 

Before its flow high steeples fell, 
And crushing in the frightful jam. 

How many — none can know nor tell ! 
Sufiice it now that where once stood 
Those thrifty towns, is waste of flood ! 

XL VI. 

And Heroism rose and strove 
To save the drowning, but the Tide 
Dashed feeble efforts all aside. 
And onward to destruction drove ! 
The bodies floated swiftly by, 
Some screaming, others hushed to die ! — 
The winds alone to catch that sigh 
That goes with parting breath — the Waves, 
Like demons, laughing, gave them graves ! 

XLVII. 

Still feeble Effort reached to save ; 
And some were lassoed from the Wave, 

lit is said that the womeu of Woodvale heard the warning and saw the 
danger in time to save themselves, but as their husbands worked in the mines, 
they refused to go without them. In their endeavor to warn them they were 
drowned also. 



106 THOUGHT THROBS. 

And life-boats snatched from arms of Death 
A few ei-e life gave up its breath ; 
And many struggled long in hopes, 
And some were rescued there with ropes; 
And one with weeping babe swam more 
Than full five thousand feet to shore ! ^ 
And there a faithful dog, 'tis said, 

Seized on a sinking child and made 

For distant shore, his efforts paid 
With rescue — but the child was dead ! "- 

XLVIII. 

But while heroic Action moved 
And strove to do what time has proved 
Was then too fruitless of effect, 
That such brave efforts might expect, 
The day had crept into the night 
To hide its face from such a sight ! 
A twilight full of horrors fell : 
So full of sights and sounds of hell ; 
So full of shrieks and dying groans ; 
So full of roaring waves and moans ; 
So full of drifts and sinking men — 
So full of life. Love would defend ! 
Lit up by lurid, darting flames 
Of burning wreckage ! — cruel flames, 
That licked the face of Life and Death, 
And glowed its embers with the breath 
The gasping mortal gave to die ! — 
That fed upon the fainting sigh ! — 
A funeral pyre, a holocaiist 
Of burning creatures doomed and lost ; 

1 Joseph T. Bracken, according to report. 

- "A Newfoundland dog caught his master's two months' old child in his 
mouth from the floating house, and attempted to swim to the shore with it. 
They were dashed against a school-house and among other floating debris ; the 
dog succeeded at last in reaching the land, but the child was then dead."— .4w 
Observer. 



CONEMAUGH. 107 

Whence weird shadows fell around 
So ghostlike on the trarajDled ground ! 
Each Spectre as an Azrael bent 
To catch the Soul thus given vent ! — 
A twilight of such horrors fell, 
No pen nor tongue can ever tell ! ^ 

XLIX. 

And slow the Night crept on in gloom 
And left the dead in slimy tomb, 
And never Darkness hid a sight 

More dreadful to the human eye 
Than weltered in the slime that night 

Whose stillness echoed every cry ! 
And ghoulish things in shape of men,^ 

Like mid-night vultures, crept about, 
And when they 'd find a body, then 

From slimy ooze they 'd drag it out 
To pick it of the things of worth — 
The things esteemed so on this earth ! 
And dogs kept howl to cheer such men 
That thieved within that mountain glen ! 

L, 

But all must move with Time ; and night 
Itself eked out in gloomy plight. 

i"The debris of all the towns that lay in the valley above, floated down 
and were canght by a stone bridge just below Johnstown. A fearful blockade 
was formed. Shortly after the blockade had formed, the dry timbers caught 
fire, and the mass nearest the railroad bridge became a glowing furnace. Hun- 
dreds of people who had not been drowned or crushed in the mad rush down 
stream, were burned alive. Their shrieks as the flames reached them made the 
most stout-hearted wring tlieir hands in agony at their inability to render 
assistance. The wind blew from up-stream, the air became filled with the 
gruesome odors of burning human flesh until at last the horrors to sight, hear- 
ing, and smell became so great that persons, in the vicinity were forced to leave 
the place." — Press Report. 

2 Some Hungarians were found robbing the bodies of the dead. They were 
pursued : and, to escape, some ran into the flood and were drowned. 



108 THOUGHT THROBS. 

The grayish light that came with day 
Showed desolation where once lay 
The thrifty towns, then held the pride 
Of Pennsylvania far and wide. 
Like mantle to the dead, a mist 

Hung in the valley to appall, 
Or hide from living eyes — some wist. 

The ruins that would things recall 
Which once had been, but was no more : 
A spectacle all must deplore ! ^ 

LI. 

The Waters had receded though : 

And down the hills and to the shore, 

Where foamed the banks of Conemaugh — 

The once pure, limpid Conemaugh — 

The wailing crowds trudged through the mire, 

With one impulse, with one desire 

To find and rescue from the flood 

Whatever hapless one they could ; 

To seek the loved ones from them torn, — 

Perhaps away forever borne ! 

To clasp once more, though dumb and dead, 

Their dear ones from that slimy bed ! 

LII. 

And there the horrors full were seen ; '^ 
And there they gathered dead on dead, 

And bore them to a mou.ntain green, 
And laid them on a grassy bed : 

1 " Previous to the bursting of tlie dam tiie valley, right up to its lower 
edge, was a smiling grass laud with beauty-timbered slopes. Now it has the 
appearance of a desert. The very ground has been torn away down to the bed 
rock. Not a vestige of any tree is left." — An Observer's Account. 

2 "Words are too weak to convey the faintest idea of the desolation of the 
scene: the deep despair, the mocking cruelty of fate in the awful mutilation 
of bodies: The remains of victims are no longer found singly, or even in 
couples, a dozen, twenty, yes, a hundred are dug out within a few yards of 
each other, whole families lying in groups, and all crushed and mangled and 
distorted.''— ^n Observer's Account. 



CON EM A UGH. iO'j 

And thousands came and thousands lay 
In stiffened grime upon the clay ; 
And every house and church or space 
Left on the mountain or the waste, 
Was turned into a morgue — yet place 
Was wanted for the many dead, 
On whom devouring dogs soon fed ! — 
Yea, dogs and ghoulish men whose souls 
Had lost the print of honor's moulds ! 

LIII. 

And where the flames were seen that night. 
And where the deepest groans were heard. 

And where the weird Shadow-light 

Moved through the gloom like phantom bird, 

Or black-winged Azrael intent 

On tearing open bosoms pent. 

And giving lease to souls within 

To fly beyond such rack and din ; 

There, was a heap of rubbish found — 

Debris piled up of all the town! 

LIV. 

A drift it was and funeral mound 
Of miles extent, and wailing sound 
Still told of all the dying Life 
Beneath its mass ! The air was rife 
As well, with crackling flames and smoke 
That dai-ker human horrors woke, 
As realizing in that pyre. 
So slow consumed by smould'ring fire, 
Was Life well skewered there to wait 
A roasting death ! more dreadful fate 
Than waters threatened in their rage — 
Most dreadful that the thoughts engage I 
And holocausts gave stifling scent, 
And people who the hours 'd spent 



110 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Through deluge horrors, doing good, 
Now fainted o'er the sight and smell : — 
And Fancy shudders yet to tell 

What then was seen, or what eye could !^ — 

LV. 

Behold, mad Tides, your wreck and waste! 

This valley once so fair to view, 

Filled with the fruits that Labor grew 
And rife with teeming Life — to-day, 

No semblance lives by which to trace 
The once fair builded public way ! 

All, all is ruin, utter waste! 

LVI. 

Where towns once stood, now puddles stand ! 
Where fields of grain, now barren sand ! 
The monuments of men are down 
And lie in rubbish on the ground : 
And scattered are thy tokens, Love ! 
And o'er the "wilderness" a "dove" 
Could scarcely find a leaf to show 
The truce Omnipotence doth know 
Is justice to those here below! 

LVII. 

Bedraggled skirts now tell the tale ; 
And eyes and face of heart's travail ; 
And matted hair of beauty's scorn. 
And pallor of distempers born 
Within their grief, that soon must bring 
Them death : the final end and sting ! 

LVIII. 

Crazed are the minds that once were right ! ^ 
Black are the thoughts that once were bright ! 

1 It is said that numbers of the people who had suffered loss hy this disaster 
became demented over their troubles. 



CON EM AUG H. Ill 

A pall o'erhangs the visiou now 
That oace throbbed in a cherry brow ; 
And mooted sorrow and neglect 
Have killed the faith and due respect 
These people held for God above — 
His watchful care, His mercy's love ! 
His gilded Messages of Truth, 
They heap in piles and burn, forsooth ! ^ 

LIX. 

" Know ye the acts that now ye do ? 

Can naught restrain ? Will ye eschew 

From deeds unholy moved in you ?" 
" He set the rainbow in the sky : — 

The Deluge came for Love to die ! 

It swept the faithful on to doom ! — 

Who stands to answer for this gloom ? 

On Providence we full relied — 

And Providence let this betide ! — 

Yes, we can truly say to you : 

We realize just what we do ! " — 

LX. 

In apathy they move around : 

They hear naught, save some gloomy sound ! 

1 " The people of Johnstown have lost their faith in Providence. Many of 
them have thrown away their Bibles, and since the disaster have openly burned 
them. They make no concealment of this. 

" During the flood one of the most upright and devout merchants in town 
was rescued as by a miracle. It was with considerable difficulty that he was 
revived, but as he was lying on tlie bed, a clergyman, who was present, dropped 
on his knees and earnestly began to pray. ' Leave me! ' cried the merchant. 
'This is no time to pray or to thank God. I never want to see your face 
again.' 

"A lady who had lost her husband and four children was gathering together 
the records of her home when she came across the family Bible, containing the 
record of her birth, marriage, and the births of her children. A stranger hap- 
pened to pass, and tearing the records out she proffered the book to him. The 
m.an happened to be a clergyman. 'Do you realize, madam, wliat you are 
doing?' 'Perfectly,' was the reply. ' I have no further use for that book. 
I have always tried to be a consistent Christian woman. I brought up my fotir 
girls as strictly as I was, but I can 't read that book any more.' " — Press Report. 



11-2 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Their eyes on vacancy are bent, 

Their hours in listless wand'ring spent ; 

They heed no sight save when a bier 

Bears some one on it once held dear ; 

Bears some one whom they knew in life — 

A strickened husband or a wife ; 

A parent or a child on whom 

They fixed affection— for this doom ! 

Bears some one whom they loved and lost : — 

And this is what their faith has cost !— 

A moment so they stand and gaze ; 

Then move as one lost in amaze ! — 

LXI. 

" You see those heaps of brick and sand ? 
The stuff was mine once to command : — 
My house once stood where they now lie ! — 
Man for his labors need not sigh ! 
My wife, and babes beneath that clay 
May lie 'midst rubbish — who can say!" ^ 
His eyes are dry, his speech is stern, 
His pallor tells how hearts can yearn ! 

LXII. 

And following then their loss and pain. 

Come other evils with their train : 

And Famine stalks — but what care they ? 

They do not longer wish to stay 

And gaze on scenes the likes of this — 

Proof of some Providence remiss ! 

Let Famine come ! If they could die : — 

Oh what a boon for which to sigh ! 

1 "A workingman and his little girl, four years old, stood idly by in the 
street. I spoke to the child and she looked at me with wild, staring eyes, and 
said nothing. ' She was born where that sand pile is,' said the man, pointing 
to a mound from which some bits of wood protruded, 'and her mother and 
two brothers are underneath it.' He said this coldly, without appearances of 
feeling."— Pres-s Report. 



CONE MA UGH. 118 

And Hungei' gave no parting sting, 
For Death awaited every thing ! 

LXIII. 

And from the stench and foul air 
That rises from the dead whom care 
Can not remove, — so many lie 
Within the sloughs and waters nigh — 
A Pestilence will soon unfold 

Its miasmatic wings to prey 

On what of living things it may! 
What effort now can such control, 

When it would sweep this feeble Life 
Into the sea Forgetfulness? 

Beyond these woes, this fruitless strife — 
Perhaps Oblivion then may bless ! 

LXIV. 

We read of Herculaneum yet, 

We read Pompeii's doom, I wis ; 
No cataclysm e'er has yet 

So swept away poor life as this ! 
It might have been a "cloud" that "bui'st" ' 
That set the waters seething first: 
But now it seems that something worse 
Made possible this fearful curse ! ^ 
I do not know, I do not say — 
But yet the truth may dawn some day 
To then reveal itself and tell 
What brought about this wreck and hell ! 

'Some claimed that it was a "cloud burst" that caused the dam to give 
way. 

2 It was claimed that criminal oversight in the construction and supervision 
of the dam was in the main the cause of the break, and the Grand Jury dis- 
covered grounds for serious charges against the rich proprietors of the Lake. 
The court records will tell the ending of the tragedy : I do not remembei- it. 



114 GONEMAVGH. 

LXV. 

Enough ! We know that thousands died ! 

And many unidentified 

Are heaped in graves where at one tomb 

Now stands memento of their doom ; 

The epitaph "Unknown" to mark 

The ashes of a thousand stark ! 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 



Over the P<H-fuhof il>r Tnvpleof Ddplu iras irrHte>K rNi2ei 2EAYT<_)X. 



HOW SPEAKS PHILOSOPHY? 

The world is all a glamour and few men 

See but the faintest glimmer of the truth: 

Their lives so full of dreams that actions pass 

But noise and clamor to disturb the sleep 

That lulls existence into quiet rest. 

Realities as boding nightmares come, 

Presaging hurts and ills and frightful death, 

Inflicted but some impish Power to please; 

While that great Truth which stalks with Act is hid, 

Which speaks of Life and Death and Destiny — 

Wherefore to hope, why fear, and how to live 

To cheat the grave of early victim fell 

Upon the roadside of its youth, ere Age 

Had taught it wisdom, how to bear its load, 

And what reward would pay it for its task. 

In lieu of all we find a foolish Faith 

In things unknown, that best can but confuse, 

And dim the eye of Judgment to the fact. 

That Life is real, and Death a sui'e fiat 

Bespoke of all by Her of whom we are. 

And whose fixed fate, we, too, alike shall share! 

For does not Science say, and prove it too. 

By facts beyond our ken to say them nay ; 

By suns and planets dead it verifies, 

And colder Universes in the skies, 



116 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Whose systems are in waste, no heat, nor light. 

Nor breath of air to stir the frigid Night ; — 

And by convulsions here within this globe, 

Which writhes and groans and belches forth its bile, 

Sick vinto death as many other child — 

That this fair Earth whose bourne we vermin tread, 

Will have its day, to sicken then and die, 

And swing in Space the corpse of all it is? 

The Heaven we would have, we have on eai'th. 
Though all our dreams but serve to picture one 
In realms too fanciful to limit bounds: 
Unreal; unsound; the vaguest of the vague! 
For as we live so is this Life to us. 
In fact most real, in fancy most unreal: 
Thrown off our guard by visionary things. 
What shield have we to turn the darts of Life 
Since wills are weakened by the plea of wish ? 

If Faith be such a shield then wear it still ! 
No friend will war against your happiness : 
Too little all enjoy ! But duty still 
Demands your charity ; and, too, that grace 
Which would bestow on others happiness ! 
False theories have broken many hearts 
And set the world to wrangling o'er its doubts, 
Contented not till fires consumed the lay 
Whose honesty found courage like in speech ! 
But what availed it all? It did not prove 
One postulate professed: and now, we say, 
All were deceived and knew not what they taught! 
Know we so much then, now, that Future Age 
Will not smile o'er our vaunted wisdom, too? 
And wonder at our ign'rance and the Faitii 
Which we proclaim as demonstrably true ? 
The world doth harbor many faiths to-day 
Of every hue and cast — which one will live 
To prove the others false and ring its truth 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 

On heart-strings strung of all in unison ? 
Who knows? Variety doth spice this day, 
And varied songs sound sweet to list'ning ears! 

Enough that this variety can be 
In things of faith as well as in our song ! 
But what a world it were should all prove true — 
The Fetich and the Saint, sore Doubt and Faith, — 
Oblivion and Life which knows no Death ! 
In mean time let the world live as it should, 
In battling Wrongs and succoring well the Good — 
When it can so distinguish 'twixt the two ! 
For here the Sages still with each contend, 
And prove from facts observed or facts divine. 
Their sev'ral warring Faiths — to you and me : 
While we observe and contrast what we see ! 

HOW ANSWERETH LIFE! 

A house whose turrets leap like griffins wild, 
At some imagined foe within the clouds ; 
Broad terraces that circle here and there, 
Wind turrets 'round, and wings, and ells, and domes- 
Fit avenues for promenading loves. 
Whereto with bounding hearts they can repair 
When heat oppressed in ball-room, or in wish' 
To share each other's company alone : — 
A lawn that stretches expanse broad and green, 
Where winding walks are wreathed on either side 
By blushing flowers whose perfume the wind 
Is laden with to gently waft to all ; 
Where gurgling fountains spray their liquid breath 
To cool the atmosphere oppressed with heat ; 
And where the great trees tower, with their arms 
Upstretched to heaven, leaves as surplice raised 
To Deity for blessings most benign 



118 THO UGHT THROBS. 

Oil all they house beneath : a moon-lit sky 

Whose Orb the dancing clouds so fain would hide : 

A redder gleam from doors and windows wide : — 

So is the picture seen to eye without.. 

Within, all is as beautiful and grand, 

Though framed and fashioned by a lesser hand ! 

Lights there meet lights and their refulgence blend 

In radiance to smile the Night away, 

While Music with its charms awakens Sleep, 

And swells the bosom with its lusty sights : 

And mad wdth pleasures all the world tip-toes 

To catch a glimpse of Love, — for there he goes! 

Hate, speechless, stands aside, and Care withdraws 

Into the shade the niches still conceal, 

But sees it all and darkly broods it o'er. 

Pride saunters forth and gazes on, while smiles 

Tell truly what he feels amidst the bows: 

And Youth with agile step leaps o'er the floor 

To find a partner who can pleasure share ; 

And Beauty lags but to be coaxed again, 

While Envy stares, then turns to her beside : 

And Mischief giggles to see Envy tried ! 

The Passions tread the boards to-night, I ween. 

And Dawn will find them here as Twilight did. 

The hours then chased away with airy step, 

No eye bedimmed with sleep, nor none that slept! 

One thing now Wisdom sees and cons it well : 

In haste Youth borrows of old Time to pay 

It back in dotage, which old Age deplores, — 

And he, alone of all, this scene ignores ! 

But hov'ring on the outskirts of the scene, 
Are others who have taken yet no part; 
A liug'ring gaze tells of the int'rest felt, 
A doubtful look of some form of restraint. 
A subtile charm has drawn them to the spot ; 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 119 

But there by Prudence held, they take no part ; 

For though their eyes dance with the lights they see, 

Their steps are laggard to the tripping prance : 

And wrong they deem it all though it can please. 

Among this group stand Truth, and Faith, and Fear ; 

And Trust thrums languidly upon the sill. 

So unresolved what course were best pursue : 

His pleasure there ; his duty here ; his will, 

Wrapt in so many vagaries, in doubt ! 

So Prudence falters in his course, and Fear 

Forgets his qualms, and Faith feels stronger faith 

And fears not wrangling Doubt should he oppose: 

And Truth can live a truth no matter where! 

With Pleasure in the balance all can see 

What will soon come of Self-denial, too. 

Some maids who long have watched this modest crew, 
And wondered at their reticence, now turn 
Their roguish eyes upon them full, and draw 
Their harps and sing in A^oices sweet and clear. 
This siren song, while speak the strings such notes 
That wake the voiceless Night to words of love : — 

THE SIREN SONG. 

Come join us, young men; come join us we pray! 
We '11 drive from your hearts all sorrows away ! 
We'll cheer the drear hours the night's gloom has cast; 
We'll trip the light lancers till darkness is past. 
Come join us and help us and be not such staids. 
For you come into arms of true loving maids ! 

Come join us, young men ; come join us, we say! 
Why stand there in doubt ? Soon comes the fair day 
When pleasures will pass, while duty's stern law 
Will urge you to work, nor fit leisure allow ! 
Come join us we say unto you once again. 
If you value the love or the pleasure of friend! 



120 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Come join us, young men ! To the winds with your fears! 
If you go from us now you will leave us in tears ! 
For our hearts are so set on a light trip with you ! 
We know you will grant it ; we know you are true ! 
Come take us this once ; be partners to-night, 
For to-morrow we part at the first streak of light ! 

Come join us, young men, and husband no doubt. 

Don't you see this bright tear? Will you let Beauty pout? 

When dancing is over the feast will begin : 

We will frolic to that ; we '11 toast the rare gin ! 

Come join us and take us ! Your pleasure is ours — 

In ball-room or parlor or 'neath leafy bowers ! 

Come closer! We whisper! — Of course you must know. 
We '11 grant other pleasures than those we now show ! 
Say nothing of this, but come and take part. 
And still the wild throbbing of some gentle heart ! 
Come join us and love us, and this, we will say : 
You may-leave tis at dawn to go your own way !^ 



Reluctance dies with song, and to his place 
Comes every one that lingered there without ! 
For who could stand aloof in times like this? . 
Or steel his heart against sweet Fancy's will? 
Soft eyes have won, and softer music swells 
Eebellious souls to pitch of harmony; 
And all resolve is set aside for nonce ! 
Comes Fear with firmer tread, and Faith with Trust — 
They vis a vis to Vice and Lust and Scorn ! 
While Truth and Sham meet here on friendly ground, 
And Sir Discord hears soft and dulcet strains ! 
A welcome rings from lip to lip and heart. 
And swells throughout these broad, deep corridors, 
O'er this great concourse of quiescent wills 



PASSIOJV'S PANDEMONIUM. Vl\ 

Here held in charm : more militant without 
And poised to each, than earth's most distant poles ! 
Will has succumbed to Wish and subtle Charm, 
And all bow to the sway impassioned Love 
Would have them feel — and smile in bondage, too ! 

The victory the maids have won with song 
And roguish eye, now clamor for return — 
Both song and glance ; and gathered 'round, the throng 
Joins voices strong and deep to sing these words 
Methinks do echo through the livelong Night : — 



THE ANSWERING SONG. 

We come, sweet maids, to answer songs and eyes ! 

Who can withstand the charms your words proclaim? 
Who can rebel when woman smiles or sighs ? 

Who does forbear has passions all too tame 
To profit pleasure here where fault denies ! 

CHOEUS. 

Gallant and gladly 

We come to the rally, 
Our hearts and our wills we 've tuned them to please ; 

Beauty before us, 

Music in chorus: 
We laugh to find Folly an innocent tease! 

We pass to and fro 

In the dance as we go 
Sailing, sailing over the floor — 

Give me a partner! 

Great is the honor 
Maid with kind wish on me can bestow ! 



122 THOUGHT THROBS. 

We come, sweet maids, to share with you this spell ; 

We come, because we can not linger there 
And see you here, when Love would softly tell 

How sweet it is to be with you and share 
The fullness of this hour and its swell ! 

CHORUS. 

Sleepless nor weary ; 

Why do you tarry ? 
Your eyes and your lips proclaim your desire ! 

Youth is before you — 

Passions ignore you ? 
Join hands and give vent to the pent of youth's fire ! 

You swing and you twdrl 

As you dance, and you whirl 
Around and around o'er the floor with your girl ! 

What wonder the lover 

Feels here like a plover 
A- winging his w^ay through the ether'al world ! 

We've come, sweet maids ! No lagging spirit here! 

We've come to join you in your feast and dance : 
We've come rejoicing in your smiling cheer. 

Which, like some Sun of life can thus entrance 
The soul and free it from its gloomy fear! 

CHOEUS. 

Maid sweet and pretty — 
Close now, and steady ! 

You cling to the bosom of him that can love ! 
Your bright eyes have won us ; 
Brave Cupid has stung us, 

And deep is the shaft in our hearts, little dove ! 
We trippingly glide 
In the dance side by side, 

And in transport of joy we speed and we ride ! — 
Come Love now and tell 
What you think of this spell: 

Will it cease with the hour, or with us abide? — 



P.4.S',S70.Y'-S' PANDEMOXIUM. 123 

Though song is done, the music does not cease, 
But sounds in quivers still in hearts attuned; 
While word re-echoes word to souls en wrapt — 
Eeverberations of Love's fond desire ! 
A concourse true it is of much at odds, 
Wherein extremest wills are subjugate 
By Passion to this end in unison, 
As if a common enemy without 
Made patriotic wide diverging aims. 
The mingling here of Honor, Lust, and Love, 
And all the passions strong and frailties 
Of Man— Trust and Despair, Envy and Truth, 
Hate, Scorn, Contempt, with Vice and Miserj'— 
Seems most repugnant. Yet why act they so ? 
The reason not too plain that goes to show 
The world's hypocrisy ; for something moves 
The spirit here found in no false desire, 
But in a common principle of life. 
So Smile and Bow, shake hands and pass around, 
Presenting those unknown to one and each. 
And happy, all pair oflf in orders twos, 
Who take opposing places on the floor 
In marshaled line arrayed, face fronting face ; 
A phalanx stands of beauty, wit, and love ! 
The music sounds again and all is lost 
In merry winding mazes of the dance. 

And now, oppressed with heat, a couple steal 
Away to find some cool, refreshing spot 
Beneath the trees that tower in the lawn, 
Or near some splutt'ring fountain whose sweet breath 
Breathes love itself, yet cools the fevered brow 
By thrice repeated vows to soothe all doubts : 
Such come as mystic sounds and drij^ping sighs 
Spoke by the nymphic potamids of faith ! 
Now following, others go until the dance 
Stops for the nonce to give them all a breath. 



124 THOUGHT THROBS. 

There strolls fair Beauty with Sir Sham ; and there, 
Arm linked in arm, Love moves with soft Desire ; 
Wish hearkens nnto Lust, whose words are low, 
And Innocence is left alone with Vice ! 
Beneath the light that shines within the hall, 
Sweet Mercy smiles on Spite and Charm ignores 
All gallant knights save dark-browed Insolence ! 
'Tis Gallantry, indeed, and Courtesy met 
To honor Passion's call and crown good Peace. 
The marble corridors are full of youths 
Of every taste — a bland and motley throng ! — 
Likewise the grounds and terraces around 
The castle grand : admixture of all aims 
Brought to one point, without the clash and din 
Of Elements! 

To view the sight comes Truth, 
For he alone of all the rest can see 
Them as they are, stript of Style's garniture ! 
He notes the face of Wonder as she spies 
The promenading loves, and marks mistrust 
In her swift glance ; he catches Prudence's stare, 
Which says as plain as words, " Why are no bounds 
Set here to limit Want and youthful fire?" — 
He sees the eyes of Hope light those of Trust, 
As they, conversing in the shade, stand back 
To let good Faith and gloomy Doubt pass out: 
And Fancy holds the boards with Mirth and Wit, 
While Cheer still rattles on with cold Remorse ! 
Now Anger seems un wroth, and sore Distrust 
Converses some with Justice, some with Scorn : — 
Truth sees all this, but further still his eye 
Doth search for others yet. He would descry 
All Passion's devotees at ouce and learn 
What secret impulse moves them here to-night. 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 125 

Led on by this desire he turns about 
And runs across lone Wisdom standing where 
The scene is full before him with its life. 
He, too, it seems, would know what moves the throng ; 
And so with purpose now he has withdrawn 
To note and then compile that which he sees. 
To him speaks Truth, who feels a kindred mind, 
And knows reciprocation aids one much 
The secret to define — his language thus : 
'Tis you I find alone in all the crowd 
Beside myself. Why is it so ? Feel you 
No charm, nor thrill that would, obeisant, bow 
Your will in due respect to all you see ?" — 
Wisdom to him, with sage philosophy : 
' Thou mighty Truth, forget not truth's true meed ; 
And speak thou not until all is descried ! 
We are withdrawn from all the rest, 'tis true, 
But not alone : for see ! Old Hate there lurks 
Beneath the shrubs, and Care withdraws him, too. 
To spy out other cares, while Pride disdains 
All else save Flattery ; and she has left 
Him now to go with Envy there and look 
Apt Mischief up, who will bring dark Despair 
To Fear, and Pity to Contempt ! Esteem 
Has found no mate, though Admiration's eyes 
May linger there awhile, and Piety 
Finds Honor cold indeed ! Poor Charity 
Looks for consort, but finds alone Discord ! 
So viewing, think you now that all is known ? 
Benevolence moves there without a friend — 
If we may judge from loneness of himself! — 
And Wickedness hides not his smirking sneer 
That follows Friendship, Hope, and otiiers there ! — 
As truly honest he as most the rest, 
Because he hides not that which fills his breast! " 
Truth would return, but Brag and Cant appear, 



126 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Each boasting loud o'er conquest made or won 
With poor Simplicity and dull Regard ! 
And Folly joins them now and they defame 
All whom their logic failed to so convince ! 
And Malice overhears and smiles as pleased, 
While Slander whispers things unduly bent. 

• An Ear were much astounded could it hear 

All that is said by Passions mingled here 

In friendship's guise, beneath Charm's flag of truce- 

Who else were but so many enemies 

That wrangle when they meet without this. pale ! 

Lust pleads his cause, and Wish some virtue's lost, 

And Greed steals off with dark Rapacity, 

And finds Incontinence within the shade ! 

Desire embraces Love, which Virtue sees, 

And shudders as she gives her hand to lead 

Sweet Innocence away whom Vice pursues! 

Suspicion on vile thoughts is wont to dwell, 

And Malice is not loath, — still with the rest, 

But momentary thoughts are all of these 

And vanish as the music strikes again — 

Which now it does to break the interim 

Whose wanton use the Wills can not forbear. 

A song now calls them to the dance again, 
Which as a bugle blast they all obey : — 

SONG. 

Come dance with me ! 

My partner be 
In this grand march quadrille ; 

Thus can you see 

How happily 
Love can soft trip at will. 
When souls in union thrill. 



P.4,S'-S70T".S' PAXBEMOyiUM. 12: 

While music sounds 

The heart rebounds, 
And Pleasure has its will ; 

Let none forbear 

To help us share 
This joy which can instill 
New life and stronger will. 



Again upon the floor they gather 'round 
To dance the hours away and banish Care. 
The pale moon wanders on, the fleecy clouds 
Bank over near the western horizon, 
Where, hov'ring in vast crowds like pirates moored. 
They bivouac in the sea of eth'r'al blue 
And set as sentinels the lightning's flash ! 
A storm forebodes at early morning's wake : 
But little care the inmates of the hall 
Who gather in due season for the ball ! 

Joy is the dance, and Pleasure's nimble feet 
Skip lightly to the harmony of song. 
Nor reckons one the time, till midnight strikes 
Its chimes, awakening all to the fact, 
The Night is speeding fast and soon will pass 
To take with it the joys that can not last. 
Yet even these loud clanging strokes that shake ■ 
The gloom of Night in speaking Day's farewell, 
Announce another Morn, and bring a sound. 
As well, that creeps into the list'ning ears 
Of guests assembled here, and speaks of cheer : — 
A silver gong taps softly for the Feast 
Which is prepared, and now is time to serve. 

The passing hour forgot, the throng moves out 
In double file and march to banquet spread. 
Where glare and glitter show profusion set,- 
And rich aroma tempts the appetite. 



THOUGHT THROBS. 

A hall more rare in taste aud splendor matched 
Than was Belshazzar's in the days of yore ; 
Nor was such kingly fare e'er set before ! 
Around the snow-white boards whereon flash gold 
And silver plates, where viands steam, and fruits 
So tempt the taste that had old Tantalus 
Beheld one like he had then been excused 
For wishing the impending stone to fall 
And crush him dead — the guests take places there. 

What joy it is to live when all the sweets 
Of life are so at hand, and Pleasure charms 
And seasons well the taste which Health approves ! 
But all the fancy fruits the tropics yield, 
Or all the mellow grain of cooler zones, 
Or fish, or fowl, or esculent there is, 
Can not supply the waste Disease entails, 
Nor tempt the sated taste Dyspepsia owns ! 
To be most ignorant of one's health, is health, 
But yet to feel the pangs of hunger is 
The test of Appetite which thus proclaims 
A relish born of Nature's healthy needs. 
The beggar fares more rich in this than he 
Whose pampered maw is surfeit in its wants 
To foully breed distempers in the man. 

Soft lights from chandeliers o'erspread them here. 
Who now await the sparkling wines and toasts. 
The host presides, but Love rules 'round the board, 
And to his will confiding couples bend ; 
E'en Taste and Appetite his nod attend ! 
This course and that .succinctly disappear, 
And guests more gaily grow at each- excess. 
Till Mirth and Laughter swell in loud uproar, 
As though their humor lay within their maw! 
White-liv'ried grooms with filled decanters come, 
When burst with one accord from lips this song : 



PASSIOXS PANDEMONIUM. 129 



THE BACCHANALS' SONG. 

The Banquet 's spread : bring on the bowl ! 
Come join us, girls, and help us share 
The feast and brimming cup of cheer : 

The world without may frown and scold : — 
Who knows? who cares? its wicked leer 

Disturbs the heart whose faith is cold ! 

HEALTH. 

Clink the glasses ; clink them well : 
Let the music sound and swell 
Hearts that may forever tell 
Of this sweet, entrancing spell. 

DEIjSTK. 

To the woman fair and sweet. 

Whom you here perchance may meet ; 

Partner of these happy hours, 

Whose sweets are freshets like the showers 

That bring the bloom of early flowers ; — 

To her health we drink with joy, 

Happy were we but a toy 

She might fondle or annoy: — 

To her health we drink, drink, drink I 

The day is done: the evening's shade 
Is lighted by the chandelier, 
Whose golden rays soft linger here 

To trip like some wild, enfin jade, 
With giddy whirl and smile demure, 

Along a coui't-way esplanade. 

HEALTH. 

Clink the glasses; clink them well : 
Let the music sound and swell 
Hearts that may forever tell 
Of this sweet, entrancing spell. 

lO 



130 THOUGHT THROBS. 

DRINK. 

To the hour when no grief 

Shall disturb or mock relief ; 

When the heart shall know its choice, 

Where to choose and when rejoice, — 

Lulled and tempered by Love's voice ; — 

To such happy time we drink ; 

Conscious, too, of all, we think — 

From no duty do we shrink ; 

So then let us drink, drink, drink ! 

The light of heart we bid them come : 
Come grasp our hands in friendly shake. 
And of a cup of something take ; — 

Say corn-juice, rye, or brandy-plum ! 
'Tis ills alone that make us quake, 

And not this sparkling wine of Hum ! 

HEALTH. 

Clink the glasses; clink them well: 
Let the music sound and swell 
Hearts that may forever tell 
Of this sweet, entrancing spell. 

DRINK. 

To the wise man who can show 
Deeper pleasure than we know 
Hides within this brimming cup, — 
Which we linger o'er and sup, 
Till its contents are drunk up! — 
To his health now let us drink, 
Lest we falter, stop, or think. 
Or with nod and knowing wink, 
' Wait too long to drink, drink, drink ! 

When Bacchus came, the Grecian maid 
Came lagging to his sport too slow ; — 
But give her now his ruddy glow ; 

Retint her cheeks a deeper shade : — 
The mark of Youth and Health aglow, 

Can laugh at ills and measures staid. 



PASSIOXS PAXDEMOXIUM. 1^1 

HEALTH. 

Clink the glasses ; clink them well : 
Let the music sound and swell 
Hearts that may forever tell 
Of this sweet, entrancing spell. 

DRIXK. 

To the Sun-God of Semele, 
" Who has made this world a ' helle ' ! " 
Says the Parson with a groan, 
Which is simply this: a moan 
That he can not " take a horn ! " — 
To his gracious power drink, 
Till we cross life's dizzy brink ; 
Nor from living terrors shrink — 
Pleasure now to drink, drink, drink! 

The Orgies o'er we '11 seek once more 

To find a partner for the dance ! — 

Bright eyes enough for all a chajice ; 
And graceful, too, with tripping toe I — 

The wee small hours we'll pass in dance :— 
For who can break, or cares to go ? 

HEALTH. 

Clink the glasses; clink them well: 
Let the music sound and swell 
Hearts that may forever tell 
Of this sweet, entrancing sjjell. 

DRINK. 

To the art Terpsichore, 
Left as heritage of Fay ; 
Amble of the heart and feet. 
When all joys can mingle, meet, — 
Maidens' blushes, coy and sweet : — 
To this art we drink, we drink. 
That has forged and brought a link 
From remoteness down, we think, 
To chain our wills: — so let us drink!— 



132 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Decantens turn to fill the glasses full, 
And clinking bumpers tell the guests have joined 
To drink the health of all who know a toast. 
A sight it is to make old Bacchus glad, 
And could he here upon his thyrsus lean, 
He would be loth to part from such a scene. 
No Theban king forbids the revelry — 
A Pentheus were unwelcome now indeed, 
Though Fate, mayhaps, would find a lighter doom 
Than met him in the days agone which gave 
Him victim to Agave's scornful wrath 
That rent him limb from linb, — she and her maids !* 
Still no one cares to brook the carnival, 
Let come what may, distress or pleasure meet! 

No one will scorn Silenus so to-night: 
Sobriety e'en lips the cup of health, 
And Banter jests with Drunkenness whose leer, 
Reflects the deep effects of many drinks. 
Now Languor starts to grasp another cup, 
While Jest in happy mood essays to joke 
The efforts of them all for some control ; 
And Frailty loud giggles as she reels 
To fall in Frenzy's ai-ms, who fx'owns to see 
His cup dashed to the floor, its sparkling wine 
Bedashed o'er him to spoil his ball attire. 
Gay Gallantry refills the cup of Greed, 
And Error falls into his ways reformed — 
Drinks to excess again, and smiles to drink ! 
Fame touches lightly, but Avith Flippancy, 
Is drawn too near the brink of drunkenness ; 
And Fraud with Giddiness, hilar'ous grows. 
And both speak ribald in the face of Pride. 
Caprice makes room for Cavil and Chagrin, 
Who drink her health ere Clamor has a word : 

"The fable is told by Pausanias, Ovid, and others. See Ovid's Meta., B. 
Ill, Fable Vin 



PASSION'S PAXDEMOXICM. 183 

Decorum seeks Defiance who with Brag 
Salutes and waves the glass to drunken Bliss ! 
Contempt finds Malice joined with Slander now, 
And petty griefs enough to speak his hate ; 
But Wish restrains the will for something more, 
While Anger watches features of Distrust. 

Maids, matrons here, and gentlemen, all meet 
To mingle in the pastime of the hour. 
And naught is left to do but drink and eat ; 
The which, as if a wager had been made. 
They fall to with a will and nothing spare ! 
An hour passes by in gluttony. 
And yet the tables groan beneath their load, 
And still the guests remain around the board 
To drink and eat and crack their weary jokes, 
Or sing their ribald songs, and laugh to sing! 
More boist'rous grows the company each round 
The toast is drunk, and soon a bedlam sound 
It is that greets the ear : the pop of gin. 
The rattle of the wares, the noisy hum 
Of voices, laughter, shouts and songs. The din 
Of Pandemonium, indeed, nor heard 
Elsewhere save in some Babel here — or feast ! 
Could all the magpies of creation fly 
Into one cage ; could Egypt's loudest pests, 
Cicadse, join them there ; could come again 
" Confusion," or the cries of " Fallen Hosts," — 
Such might find likeness to the sounds within 
This festive Hall where Passions congregate ! 

But soon to surfeit all. will surely come, 
When they must then abandon what is left 
And seek some other pleasure than is here. 
But few now wish the change, and those who do. 
Know little how to broach the subject right : 



134 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Intoxication seeks with blinking ej'e, 

So piebald once, but now its luster dim, 

To spy out Dalliance Avhom he would fain 

Ask for more time than Greed might be appeased 

Ere they returned to ball-room and to dance. 

Depravity is drunk, and Arrogance 

Feels, too, the heat of drink, though not yet drunk! 

Assumption scorns to own how much he feels, 

But grasps at things intangible to touch ! 

The stagger and the swagger Drollery sees, 

And quirks him when a thyrsus he would make 

Of chair, or man who comes within his reach ! 

'T is rare to sit and watch the drunken reels. 
And see the burdened men and women pass, 
All bearing that they came not with, but full 
Of spirits now — and many things as well ! 
'T is rare again to note the mixture here. 
And how they meet and pass and mingle in 
This social gathering of strangest odds! 
A likeness sure exists in appetite. 
If nothing else, and this unites them now, 
And holds them at the board till satiate 
E'en Greed and Hunger are; but ere they move 
To leave the feast, Reluctance sings this song: 



SONG TO DIONYSUS. 

Good Dionysus, let us drink! 
Sweet Dionysus, let us drink! 
Fair son of Semele, we dine 
Upon thy fruits and drink thy wine ! 

Bestow thy smile 

Upon us while 
We eat and honor thee and wine ! 



PASSIOX'S PAXDEMOXIUM. 135 

No foolish maids are gathered here 
To scofiFor mock thy rites or cheer; 
The seed of Minyas were dead* 
Ere they had loved, or ere they wed ! 

No scornful smile 

Can yet beguile 
Them in their cold and lonely bed ! 

Their stories told availed them naught, 
For they thy own displeasure sought, 
And thou on them did justly mete 
The fate of bats ! who at thy fete 

Once scorned to drink 

Thy wine, or think 
Thee worthy of their time or meat! 

But smile upon us, son of Jove! 
For those you see here give their love 
To thee and bless thy gifts and time 
Thou cara'st to earth, fair God of wine ! 

We'll drink thy health 

In need or wealth 
And sound the a;oblet's silver chime ! — 



Fresh impulse leads them back to drink again, 
For wine to trip them up and lay them prone. 
Or base Garrulity to loose their tongues 
And set each Sentiment at variance. 

The din grows louder yet; fine spirits flow; 
Loud laughter wakes the midnight hours, while songs 
Ee-echo all around to send a throb 
Of discontent into sweet Silence's dell 

■■■■ Alcithoe, Aristippe, and Leucippe, the three fair daughters of Miuyas, an 
early King- of Bceotia, were turned into bats, so the fable says, because they 
scorned the rites of Bacchus, the new introduced Egyptian god of drunken- 
ness, Osiris, as he was there called. The story is to be found in Pausanias and 
Plutarch, and the fourth book and first fable of the Meta. of Ovid. 



136 THOUGHT THROBS. 

To break its quietude and soft repose. 
Let Slumber so aroused now learn this much : 
To-night the Passions hold their carnival, 
And Pleasure claims reward, and Joy has won 
The circling Hours to favor with their time. 
He who will not partake must get him hence. 
Beyond the sound of all this gayety 
That can not brook injunction to its wish. 

Come with good Leisure all the Sentiments 
And Passions of mankind to take some part 
In this phantastic fete ; and now they look 
And guess and marvel at the sights they see, 
While feelings indescribable, excite. 
As once before, the Good and virtuous Wise, 
The Weak and Strong, the Vicious and the Vile, 
Are mingled here — a strange, incongruous throng I 
And thus the motley crowd, a pot-pourri, 
Keflects the many shades of man's desires: 
To Wisdom, 'tis the sum of Frailty: 
To Folly, 'tis the height of human fame: — 
They both in error fall; for sure we know, 
Combined, they are the attributes of man ! 
The battle in his bosom which doth rage 
Between the Good and Bad, the Weak and Strong, 
Poor Ignorance and Truth, the Right and Wrong,— 
Is miniature to this tumultous roar, 
Which is itself, the sound of Sentiments 
Not well defined, and less so understood. 

Amid the drinking throng some sprites arise 
And fling aloft their bumpers filled with wine, 
Which, quick descending, fall upon the rest 
To splatter crimson stains on board and dress! 
This Anger rouses to the pith of Force, 
Who seizes Hate, and he then onto Sport : 



PASSION'S PAXDEMOXICM. VA; 

And Malice, soon, and Jest, are locked in arms, 
Whicli Clamour sees and raises loud his voice ! 
'Tis come to woe if nothing here can part 
These frenzy-fired spirits now engaged ! 
But Wisdom beckons Order, who, with Love, 
Restores good cheer ere further trouble comes; 
And so reseated, all resume their drink. 

Now Fear comes forward trembling much with fright, 
Not sure the trouble's over, nor the fight 
So quickly quelled which threatened to break out 
And bring them all to blows and to disgrace. 
To Honor he goes first, who hears his plea 
And thinks it not unlikely he is right, 
Since wine has filled the heads of all this night : 
These two, now seek out Patience, who, retired. 
Is list'ning to the words of Policy. 
In wild-eyed wonder Terror stands aside. 
But keeps his eyes on Violence whom he sees 
Conversing with Profanity and Spleen ! 
Propriety and Prudence linger where 
They can see all yet be themselves unseen, 
And well they mark the mood of Madness now, 
Who with Misanthropy is drinking still. 
Oblivious to the tumult raised around. 

The gentler ones are hushed or whisper low ; 
And grouped together find we Faith, Caprice, 
Despair and Innocence with Piety ; 
And Charm disdains her looks, and Beauty's eyes 
Are filled with silent tears she would repress, 
And Mischief holds her tongue, and Mercy sighs! 
And Pity's pleading eyes now turn to Spite, 
Who looks at wonder, Joy, and Sorrow there. 
And hears the voice of Flattery so low, 
That speaks to Virtue of Regret and Mirth. 



THOUGHT THROBS. 

Desire sits yet with cup in hand as though 

Naught had arisen to disturb the feast; 

But Meekness feels the pains that Pleasure does, 

And Chastity is wounded in her pride ! 

But still Deceit smiles over at Chagrin, 

And points to Coquetry who speaks with Brag ; 

With all the guile and humor as her wont. 

Mid all the bristling scenes fair Apathy 

Still leans in negligence upon the board, 

Her eyes half closed, her ruddy lips so drawn 

To show the pearly teeth they fain would hide, 

Did not her gentle breathing bid not so ! 

A sight it is, indeed, such rest as this. 

When Peace has gone from all of those around 

And hic-coughed Drunkenness has come instead !• 

So Truth and Wisdom come together where 
The lights fall, not on them, but on this scene. 
And there in consultation they decide 
Ulion a way recalling Peace again : 
That he may set aright these muddled wills, — 
At least, soothe them until the break of day, 
When one and all will homeward take his way. 

The plan is this: The feast shall be removed, 
And to engage the crowd each will some speech 
Deliver that his thoughts may frame the while. 
And speak they this to Prudence and the rest. 
Who soon agree, and mounting there a chair, 
Pride thus speaks out: — "Let all here barken now! 
A feast we all have gathered to and shared. 
And praises to our host are due for it — 
Which we will thank him for when time has come. 
But now, ere we resume the dance again, 
What say you to a speech from each one here ; 
Beginning with the one whom lot may choose. 



PASSIO.XS PANDEMOXIUM. 139 

And so continuing till all have spoke, 

Or Wish has called a halt to further speech ? 

A speech in which the speaker tells his tale, 

Of how he is, and how he came to be 

The creature that the world finds him to-day? 

A banquet this, like Agathon's, you see,* 

Though called not here in honor of some 'task' 

So worthily performed as did he his; 

Yet here is force enough, and, mayhap, Wit, 

To tell of things the world were rich to know. 

Though now no Socrates were here to show 

The fallacy of arguments and shams 

That pass for facts. What say you : shall we speak? " 

A buzz is heard among those gathered round 
As if the Queen of Sound were now unhived : 
But each one to his neighbor nods assent, 
And flight of Peace recalled to witness it. 
All are much pleased and readily agree. 
Anticipating each his time and speech ; 
How he can best preface his character 
And plead a reason for his mode of life. 
The question now arises, Who begins ? 
Each wishes to be first, for Pride has said, 
" It is the place of honor to be heard 
Before the rest ; for sure it will imply 
He chosen first is fittest to speak out 
And mai'k the channel for all other thoughts." 
As all can not begin, and some one must, 
A lot will now be cast to pick him out : 
And Love is honored with the call to speak — 
He from the first the hero of this Night. 
The rest now gather 'round to hear his words ; 
Their voices hushed though spirits still run high, 
Due to the mad'ning heat of Bacchus' wine ; 
Held in restraint alone by inner fire ! 
Encouraged thus, Love now begins his speech : — 

-Told in the Banquet of Plato. 



140 THOUGHT THROBS. 

LOVE. 

When bright-eyed Love first came to earth, 

Mankind was not, or still in infancy : 
No laws existed then to quell. 
Or stem the rapture that should swell 
The bosom o'er the lowly birth 

Of her destined the heart to sway ! 
But Life sprung up and teemed its kind, 

And Souls gregarious felt the need 
Of kindred bondage, which should bind 
And hold togetlier two of kind 

In daily walks of life ; — this meed 

Love promised all, and such bestowed, indeed ! 
For when the heart has opened to her spell, 

Or when the head has bowed before her sway. 
There Happiness has found a place to dwell, 

And there will Hope still linger on and stay 

To light the hours of Doubt, forecast a Day ! 

Tradition tells us many a tale 

Of how she came, was born, or sprung 
From froth of sea, — beyond the pale 

Of Earthly God or Deity !— 
Her need the parent of herself, and she, — 
The Mother of all else in harmony! 

The quick of Life, fair Panderer — 

Strong cement of those souls divine 
That ne'er a Vulcan's net might wear* 

But youths would spring of lineal line 
Commensurate with the godly pair ! 

She came to fill Want's vacancy, 

And leave replete the Earth and Sea 

With life and all that's yet to be ! — 
No further need we care. 

■-•'Allusion to the story of the amour of Venus and Mars which Vulcan 
thought to thwart. 



PASSJOy\S FJXDEMOXIUM. 141 

'Twas not when Jove, deceived in earthly sous, 
Sent countless ills compounded in One fair,* 

To basely man deceive, — the trusting ones 
To fall in bitter strife and deep despair 
That one so fair should such misfortunes bear; — 
The goddess sprung not there ! . 

Nor did she first in Eden's shade 

Walk after Adam and his Eve were made ; 

E'en ere they were she was, and then 
The world w^as rest, and Peace within 
Begot no progeny of Sin ! 

In truth, I this can say : 
Titanic wars had ne'er been. 
Nor fell a Lucifer in Sin, 

Had mandates of sweet love prevailed 
Against Ambition's vaunted wield ! — 

Ye Gods! re-dawn such day! 
And let Discussi(m seethe in Hell, 
Which is its due — and it were well 
If so the Earth renounced its spell ! 

Wherever known such is her rule, 

The Weak and Mighty fare alike ! 

The Proud and Haughty she doth strike ; — 
And weeps the Sage as any fool ! 

A gentle heart some mast'ry proves ; 

The Weak the Sterner softly moves — 

Sucli is the power of her who loves 
E'en in this day and time. 

The Gods have wept when it has ^Jroved her will ! 

And man's wild thought she can subdue and still, 

Or fire them fiercer yet to let them thrill 
With her soft cooing chime ! 

We see the stamp of her decree 

■Piinrlora, the gift of all the Gods to Epimetheus— the Eve of the Greeks. 



142 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Marked in man's early destiny 

That fasliioned many a Life : 

The first of men with consorts fair, 
Who basely forfeited their share 
In Paradise and Friendship's care, 

To leave the world their strife. 

Because Temptation's ruse they did not know, 
Nor how forbear, since Danger spake not, " No ! ■ 

So comes this bitter life. 

Which were a Pandemonium sure 

Of fallen Saints and Devils, too, 
Did not all conquering Love innure 
The heart against things most impure. 

And suage the rage of Strife ! 

Cold History were doubly chill. 
Had Clio sought alone to fill 

Its pages with the deeds of men. 

Without a word or scratch of pen 
To tell us of Love's victories. 

Him deepest sunk she can yet please, 
And rouse the doubting Soul to fight 

The ills of life, 

The bitter strife 
That hems Existence left and right ! 

'T is true we here may bring this home : 
Wars Love aroused and wars subdued 
And hearts dethroned and hands imbued 
In blood from some fierce, fatal feud : — 

The one was Troy, the other Rome ; 
Or peoples since who felt the fire 
Of youth and lovers' mad desire ! 

Though Trojans labored many years 
To cheat the Greeks of Helen fair. 

Who now regrets the tide or tears, 



/M.S',S70.V,S' PAXDEMOXIUM. U:- 

Since Homer wrote it down witli care ? 
The soul new bounds but to peruse 

Again, again those sterling books, 
Whose stories yet can still enthuse, 

Or lull us as soft, purling brooks. — 
Love this bequeathed if nothing more : 
A monument of classic Lore ! 

But Eoman history can speak 

Of Love with milder voice and meek ; 
For warlike arms were laid aside, 
And peace embraced in Honor's pride, 

When Sabine wives, strong in their love, 

Forgot their grievances and strove 
To reconcile contending hearts. 
And teach them to forget their smarts : — 

First clung to kindred, then to those 

Who stole them ere allotment chose 

Them husbands from the guilty throng : — 

Who would pretend to say Love here was wrong? 

If up to Plato's time, as he declared. 

No song was sung to Love, which is divine,* 
What wonder that the world had then so fared. 
That Virtue fell debased, to shrink and pine"? 
For only as sweet Love has graced the world. 
Has mankind been redeemed, who else a churl 
Had stalked his life, too giddy with its whirl ! 

But music is the song of Love, 
And finds its counterpart above 

In refrains from some golden harp. 
Whose strings are touched by Gods alone, 
To sound the laugh, the sigh, the moan, 

That comes from man, soft, dull, or sharp — 

To be re-echoed on the harp ! 

"riie Banquet: The remark of Pha?rlrus quoted by Eryximachus. 



144 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Before Plato the cymbal's sound 
Awaken'd joys to leap and bound 

Within the bosom then of man ; 
The song was Love's, though words disdained 
To speak of that the will restrained ; — 

Confined, within they riot ran 

Among the passions of that man : — 
Now bursting forth in harmony, 
The words will ever ring for me ! 

More comfort find we all in dreams 
Of Love requited, than it seems 

The truth contains ; 
And thus the heart grows cold in cheer. 
And life becomes a burden, drear. 

And full of pains ! 

We love with Sappho, and her song 

Still stirs the pulses of the times ; — 
How can such tender love be wrong ? 

Or why should we be deaf to her sweet chimes? 
Leander lives again, a hero bold ; 
Though drowned in Hellespont, his clay is cold : — 

A Hero waits her love — foreshow her not 

That hero dead : — beneath the waves to rot ! 

'Tis best if memory has all foi'got? 
Love is no transient thing to so forget ; 
- And all such passions past, remembers yet. 

The gates of Hell could not debar Orpheus when 

Eurydice was taken thence to that abode ; 
He knew no fear, nor force, save Love's, so then, 

With harp in hand, to the Infernal Shades he strode : 
And Cerberus was drowned in songs of love, 
And gloomy Pluto stirred to thoughts that strove 
To picture fairer life, — like that above — 
Not known to him, nor Proserpine, his love, 



PASSIOXS PANDEMOMUM. 145 

Below within bis dark and gloomy cove ! 
But music much of gloom there did dispel, 
And Pluto straight resigned the maid be held, 
Cai^tive to him whose song had wrought this spell ! 

To sing the song of Love's conquest, 

We must sing on, and on — no rest! 

For every page that History turns, 

Discloses him whose soul still yearns 
For comfort sweet to life, 
To still or soothe its strife ; 

Which nothing can save Love, you find ! 

So keep assurance in your mind. 

And treasure thus a happy find ! 
So were the world a Paradise this day, 
Did Love abide with us and not Dismay I 

I spoke of Love first as a maid ; 

A thing of coyness, sweet but staid ; 
Next as a stately matron was she known, — 
A Venus sure, of wantonness, I own ; — 
And then the scene is changed and Love is I, 
Of opp'site sex, the which you well descry ! — 
Explain this fact, you say, if that I can? 
The why and wbei'efore that I am a man ? 
The need sometimes dotb suit the Instrument 

To its own want when much is to be done, 
So that the force, to do, may not be spent 

Ere that the object in itself is won : 
Love, in a woman, cleaves, but never wrought 
The kindred fire-brands that Creation sought 
To weld within the Vulcan forge of life, 
To be and live united man and wife : 
The stronger nature broke the chain when all 

The strength of union lay within the will 
The weaker vessel held for love's recall ; 
1 1 



•146 THOUGHT THROBS. 

And so the sex was chauged to suit the will ! 
Unlike the fate of mad Hermaphrodite 
Whom Salmacis had clasped in arms so tight, 
This love — that bathed in founts of diff 'rent sort 
Than pools within the woods which rain had caught — 
In fountains of Desire, it may be said. 
Whose waters by the Springs of Life are fed, — 
Embraced Youth there : the two grew into one, 
And that one came from thence — a godly son ! 
For him you may thank all the gods above : 
Love is perpetual youth, and Youth is love ! 



Loud claps the Host in commendation here, 
And many of the guests join in applause. 
A truly noble speech all would admit. 
Did not some bias purposes forbid. 
The fire Prometheus stole from Heaven, first, 
On Earth, subserves the purposes of birth. 
And animates polaric elements 
In distribution wide, — as Sentiments. 
Both Love and Hate, and Malice and Content, 
And all extremest passions of the soul, 
With differentiations yet more wide, 
Are by this force allied, and through it, kin 
To all the varying ends and diverse acts. 
The pristine source divine within its birth, 
Falls short of recognition here on earth ! 

Though Friendsliip and Desire, and Wish, and Lust, 
Approve the speech of Love, not so Contempt, 
Nor many of the others, who descant 
And point the egotism in his speech. 
For did he not praise self to such extent 
That others in compare were base and low, 
No matter what their motives and their deeds? 



PASSirjyS PANDEMOXIUM. 147 

'"T is true a bindini>' force lies in this Love ; 

'Tis true the world is happier by its leave ; 

'Tis true that all the moral factors live 
Within its pale ; and binds it Friendship, too, — 
The which more noble is because disturbed 
By no contending Jealousy, nor Zest! — 

'T is true that Love is this and something more — 
But then his speech embraced too much ! So think 
The other Passions who are deemed less great, 
Or if so great, less morally inclined. 

Here now Debate uprises, follows Spite, 
And Clamor, too ; and there dark Insolence ; 
And that wild scene but just now happ'ly quelled. 
So threatens to break out again, in force 
Eedoubled by the lapse of time and wrought 
To greater frenzy by the fumes of wine. 
Amid the swelling clamor Reason speaks, 
To vainly try explain the speech of Love, 
And why this misconstruction of his words: — 
' To speak one's own right praise it was agreed ; 
And each should have his time ; and no offense 
Would Wisdom take to self of what were said. 
Self-praise is indiscreet, as all must know. 
If said without regard to truth or fact, 
But Love has spoken naught save what, indeed. 
In calmer moments all would him accord. 
To raise a clamor now bespeaks ill will. 
Or argues that who does, is. sorely hit 
By random wit, intended none to hurt 
But him deserving no position here — 
Unworthy fellowship and social cheer!" 

Abashed all are at this: and none demurs, 
Since a demurrer were acknowledged hurt ! 
And quick to take advantage here, I ween, 



U8 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Ere some contending Passion finds his speech, 
Or thinks of reasons to defend himself, 
Good Prudence rises for another speech : 
And so Eegard to Beauty makes his bow, 
And prays that she will now but follow Love, 
As fittest of them all assembled here. 
She, blushing, looks at Vanity and Fear, 
But catching eye of Courage, mounts the chair : 



BEAUTY. 

If all will bear with me I will 

Complete the story Love begun ; 
For yo.u can see unfinished still 

That story is, though it were done 

As lone concerned the godly son ; 
But yet it does not speak of her 

Whom Fate has destined to excite 
To fullest measure all his cheer, 

Or rouse to action jealous Spite. 
To speak of Love, you speak of me ; 

For I am consort to his wish ; 
And when he came, it was to be 

A slave to Beauty's whim and wish ! 
A complement to Love I am. 
Alike chagrined at Fraud and Sham ! 

A consort, — mother,. too ; for when to earth 
He came, 't was Beauty then that gave him binh ! 
Thus linked to him I am by all the ties 
A human heart conceives, or friendship tries : 
Inspirer, too, of that sweet charm 

That moves to rapture every soul ; — 
Who deems me else, feels false alarm, 
Nor knows the pleasure I control ; 



PASSION'S PANDEMOXIUM. U9 

For happy am I all to please, 
Nor would I Innocence so tease 
To practice fraud, or learn the arts 
That win or lose confiding hearts. 

All barren would this world soon be 

And sear as some vast, desert sea — 

A sandy waste, a treeless lea, 

Void of the stroke of Harmony, 

And Love as well — if not for me ! 

The blossom of the rose I am ; 

The recompense of every sham ; 

In Life's swift wheel the only cam 

That stays it for the draught of love ; 

Or draws the eyes to things above, 

Where Love is painted in the skies. 

And heart-throbs echo all his sighs. 

Where Love and I together dwell 

And seek to draw all up as well, 

From Scorn below and deep-mouthed Hell I 

Ah, "beauty is a fleeting good " * 

To him alone who can not see 
All things just as he would ! 

For sure the impress which is left, 
Embelishes Life's dreary lea, 

Which Ugliness bereft 
Of all that makes the battles worth 
A snap, we wage here on this earth ! 
How fruitless were our toils if they 
Received no recompense or pay, 

Save Life and Ugliness ! 
'T is Deity that hides within. 
And urges man to strive and win 

The grace of Comeliness ! 

■ Beauty is a vaiu, a fleeting good."— SAaA-espeare's "Passionate Pilgnra. 



150 THOUGHT THROBS. 

For Mind and Body, both, will reach 
For Beauty's form or Beauty's speech — 

The goal of all success ; — 
The pitch of Energy and Strife, 
The charm that wakens into life 

All virtue, I confess ! 

Love is awakened by my gentle touch, 
To bow before the angel of his heart; 
The fire that lights mine eye, is as the Torch 

That brings the Day and opens with a start, 
The slumb'ring Forces hushed in mystic gloom, 
To weave the fabric, Fame, in Life's swift loom — 
Which shuffles off, unconscious of the Man, 
Or sloth or deftness of his moving hand ! 
Quick, too, like Phoebus, with my glowing light, 
I move the Soul to rapture and delight — 
All to behold me. Beauty, in my might 
The fairest Grace on earth, — true Heaven's light! 

The fire that glowed in Cleopatra's eyes. 
Was Beauty's own, and hers the wanton sighs 
That led, as captive, Caesar in her train, 
And shackled Antony with such a chain. 
His honor could not brook, nor pride disdain ! 
Aspasia's beauty moved great Pericles, 
As nothing else could move, or mildly please 
This statesman of proud Athens, whose decrees 
Still live as models for our modern pleas! 
To whom we owe "orations to the dead," 
'Twas well that he by Beauty should be led. 
The beauty of sweet Psyche, gave her Love ! 
The beauty of fair lo, that of Jove ; 
The beauty of proud Juno, made her Queen, 
While Aphrodite's face is to be seen 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. ITS! 

In all the precious things this world can own : 
So gladdens every heart where Beauty 's known ! 
'T was Pliryne once who gained release by then displaying charms, 
When Judges sat upon her case, in apprehending harms — * 
Incited to take action thus by Ugliness' alarms. 

'Twas Beauty won her victory, 
And that alone which set her free! 

Who would deny themselves Love's fairest charm? 
Who would despise her who can do no harm, 
Unless contorted be her every charm ? 
Who would debase the Bloom of all the earth, 

And pluck the blossom but to tear and shred 
The petals from the stem, to leave it dearth 

Of all its charms — a crooked stick, quite dead, — 
While no I'eturn is made for all its worth? 
Such would the ravisher of Beauty find 

Reward for acts he deemed as Wisdom's own. 
And Ugliness would thenceforth bring to mind 

The folly that his hands would fain disown. 

When Cestus binds the loins of helpless maid, 

Reciprocating unrequited love, 

It is the gift of Venus from above, 
In form of beauty — balm to love betrayed. 
Whose due possession is the magic girt 
That wraps the waist of Modesty and Flirt ! 
Let all who hear my voice, this much then know : 
Co-eval with fair Love is Beauty's show ; 
Which was, and is, and always will be guide 
To Passion's heart, and Vanity and Pride ! 

"The beautiful courtesan of Athens who was the model of the famous 
Venus-Anadyomene painted by Apelles. The story of her conquest over the 

Judges is significant. 



152 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Who to Love sings, 
Remember me ! 

His heart still rings 
In constancy 

To Beauty's springs, 
As you must see : — 

So then, remember me! 

Soft is the song 
He sings to me ; 

My soul is strong 
In harmony, 

Nor deem I wrong 
Such tuneful glee — 

So, still remember me ! 

The world must know 
That I am she. 

To whom Love's lore. 
In symphony, 

Is writ to show 
His love for me : — 

For aye, remember me ! 



Here sore Disgust breaks in on her discourse, 
And mocks with scornful words her many boasts ; 
And Envy coughs aloud and asks Disdain, 
If he has ever heard the like before. 
He answers with a frown ; and Slander speaks 
Within the ear of Spite, and Jealousy 
Is busy with her tongue, — as you can see ! 
Hypocrisy now smiles, but such is lost 
Within the face Assumption turns to her — 
So blank it is of innate grace or charm ; 
And ere she can again refix that smile, 



pAssroys paxdemomvm. is:- 

The stare of Insolence has changed her face I 

Brutality looks grim, and Mischief wears 

Grave frowns, which Humor would laugh off, but fails ; 

And his light jests are changed to scorn and grief. 

Here Gallantry would have a word to say, 

But Ardor knows no bounds ; — himself would speak 

In praise of both ; against Disparagement, 

Whose words resound now, everywhere at once ! 

Delight finds no delight in all the noise. 

And fears to speak less she offend Offense ! 

Misanthropy has roused him from his drink, 
At hearing words expressed of friendship, love : — 
It is his duty here — or so he thinks — 
To straight impeach the word of any one 
Who foolishly affirms this friendship's right, 
Or love for fellow-mortal held, is just ! 
Mistrust perceives him rise, and Terror, too. 
Who 'flees with Silence, Mirth, and shuffling Wit, 
To sheltered nook, where they may hear his words, 
But still in safety be and undisturbed 
By what he says or does : for him they fear I 
Misanthropy is not alone aroused, 
But Hate, and Anger, too, and likewise Scorn, 
And Malice, and Caprice, and all the rest 
Ignoble held by Justice and by Truth. 
But ere this son of Hate can voice his thoughts. 
Or gather well his wits within his cause, 
Speech is begun by Scorn, who thinks himself 
Too much abused by Beauty and her Love ; 
So silencing them all, we hear him say: — 

SCORN. 

To be so classed, as Beauty fain would tell: — 
Me inmate of this "deep-mouth, scornful Hell " — 
A fit companion with vile Shades to dwell ; — 
It is a little rough, but Beauty speaks it well ! 



154 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Such is the fate of him who has not eyes 

For Beauty all alone ; 
And who is not subdued by love and sighs 

To bow before her throne ! 

'Tis pity Love should be 
So miser'bly 

The slave of Beauty's show, 

When Truth this knows full well, 
And facts can tell, 

What Shams support her glow! 

If stripp'd of stolen worth, 

Earth would deny her birth ! 

For Ugliness exerts her art 

To deck Miss Beauty out so smart ! 

Once Socrates to Theodota said :* 
" Ought we to feel obliged to you and praise 
The beauty which you show ? or you to us, 
Since we with love and admiration gaze 
Upon that self, to bruit it in your praise? 
For by this latter turn you make new friends, 
Who will, perforce, assist you to your ends." 
It were a fair reminder Beauty should 
Forget not whence her worth, nor where the good 
Of all the charms she boasts of; if an eye 
Were given Love to view her as the lie 
She knows she is, such worth would pale and die, 
Ere she could catch a glance or hear a sigh 
Heaved by enamored Youth who might stand by ! 

My purpose is to open well all eyes 
To see her as I see her, full of sighs 
For those things which to Virtue are the due, 
And never to a vain, immodest shrew. 
The guile that would the innocent beguile, 
The face of Beauty mantles with its smile, 
*Xenophon's Mem.,B. III., Ch. XI. 



PASSfOXS FANDE^rONIUM. 1'>'> 

And Ugliness is beauty in compare, 

Without the lying flush or hoiden stare! 

With all the varied shapes of Proteus, 

That Beauty takes a form ; deceit to us 

To whom she would appear forever fair, 

And lead us, blinded, into her set snare. 

Poor things of frailty, you. must admit 

Both Beauty and her Love ; nor seem they fit 

To delegate them power, since we find 

Sad instances recalled now to the mind, 

When strength lay in their hands which they abused. 

Nor profited themselves by that misused ! 

'T was Cleopatra's beauty that reduced 

Brave Antony who half the world could rule ! 
Sunk low in love and by wish so seduced, 

The basest Roman scoffed at the poor fool ! 
And what availed them then ? When Roman arms 

Had scourged his followers, and put to flight 
The minions of his queen, his own alarms 
Brought home the bloody dagger (which in fight 
He'd failed to use) — to strike him in its might! 
The guilty queen, then, by an aspen sting, 
Soon followed him : — so died the charming thing ! 

When carnage on the plains were strewed 
Round Ilium's walls, the mangled slain 

Told but one tale : how Lov(; had wooed 
The fairest of a beauteous train 

From all the ties that bound her true 

To him, whose spouse she was and due. 
But Beauty and her Love — suborn of Lust ! — 
Lost to their honor, soon despised the trust 
The noble king had left within their hand, 
And guiltily they sought another land, 
To stain with blood its sacred soil and sand, 
Ebb'd from the hearts of- valiant sons of Greece, 
Who came the queen of Sparta to release! 



156 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Thus Discord with her " golden apple " comes 
To jar the world again with fruitless strife, 

Whenever Love to Beauty still succumbs-, 
Or she to him whom Duty holds a wife ! 
If Aristophanes was right. 
It was some Love that caused the fight 
That bathed the Pel'ponnesian shore 
In seas of liquid, ruddy gore, 
That flowed for thirty years or more ! 
For thus it was, — so says the lore : * 

Simsetha, though a courtesan, 

Much influence wielded over man; 
And when Athenian youths had stolen her. 
Her rape Megaran youths revisited 
Upon Aspasia's women held most dear ! 
And Pericles, to whom Aspasia fled. 
So fond of her, declared the war, 't is said ! 
And so has trouble come wherever matched 
This Beauty and her Lord ; the rest are taxed 
To keep down infelicity with them ; 
The raging torrent Hate, to curb or stem ! 

'T was Socrates who said that Love was born 
Of Poverty, who, from ripe Plenty, stole 
The seed of Lifej — whence he is now so bold ! 

Nor think I that old Socrates was wrong ; 

For needy still Love is, always to long 
For that which Plenty greedily can hold 
From him : — Want 's fit companion and his scold ! 
This son, Dione gave to Jupiter, 
But cleansed him not while in the sea with her, 

* Aristophanes' "The Aoharnians." This is the complement of the cams 
belli that Thucydides fails to give. 

t The Banquet of Plato. Socrates speaks it. 



PASSJOX'S FAXDEMOXIUM. loV 

Though hiving had been meed to decency, 
And water, mayhap, oped his wisdom's eye, 
Ere he had come to fall a victim, blind, 
• To Beav;ty, as the dupe of all mankind! 

Ah, verily ! A Venus Pandemos 

That caters to the passions of mankind I 

That mixes love with vice to serve it us — 

The salmagundi of a guilty mind ! 

And when affections profit you, you are 

A bright example of some meekness rare ; 

But when the thing 's accomplished in your guise. 

Your love, as Ariadne's, swift in flight, 

Has found some other love or better prize ; 

And so the first is changed within a night, 

And thence some Dionysus is delight! * 

Fleeting as the sunny skies. 

In dead of winter, 
Is the longing and the sighs 

Of Love's distemper; 
Dying for one smile or glance, 
Sighing for some passion's trance, 
Pierced by elfish sting and lance^ 

But dies it never! 

Hope uprises as a dove — 

Love is so clever ! 
Seeks another thing to love, 

Loves that as ever ! 
Finds an object to its heart. 
Lavishes its words and art. 
Every day it f)lays a part — 

But dies it never ! 

-The sweetheart of Theseus, wlio cried herself into the uood graces of 
Dionysus in one night, as the fable tolls us. 



158 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Now comes a pause since Scorn has ceased to speak, 
That bodes some ill to all ; for he has said 
Much that will fire Contention up, and set 
The minds of all to brooding over that, 
To drown which was the cause to speak at all. 
Too true, Love has been vain, and Beauty sharp 
Of tongue, and they should have foreseen the end 
Their words would lead unto, and so avoid 
The thing to give offense. But it is passed, 
And Scorn has used his time and bled the wounds 
Afresh that Prudence failed to heal ere it 
Has come his time to speak : or others, who, 
Like him, nurse in their bosoms no ill grudge. 

A gloomy frown seems hung above this pause ; 
And Peace stands out before the frightful shade, 
As some pale calm before a roaring storm, 
That soon must sweep it into utter gloom ; 
So palpitate wild throbs in every heart ! 
The frightened stare in utter hopelessness ; 
The fiercer shoot their fiery glances round, 
As challenges to him who would begin, 
Or speak again in slightest strains of them. 
Inflexible and stern, poor shiv'ring weak, 
That vacillate betwixt their hopes and fears, 
Are face to face, and Disregard has loosed 
All Passions from the reins that held them down ! 
What mediating Saint can come between 
These rash or fearful souls beyond restraint? 
Or calm again excited Elements, 
As Prudence did before, by help of Cheer, 
Tranquility, and Truth, and Wisdom, too? 
This question fears au answer, for it sees 
No hope within the faces gathered round. 
By wine made fierce, or anger black with scowl. 
'T is bold intent to do, or trembling fear 



P.1,V,S'70.Y'.S' PAXDEMOMUM. loil 

Of that which may be done, that answers here \ 
The sterner faces wear the scowl, and fear, 
The gentler ones that can not flee, so hide 
Within the hands of Penitence and Grief ! 

In this dark moment of impending ills, 
While pale Expectancy knows not how soon 
The thunders of the Storm will drown the i^hrieks 
Of bedlam raised within proud Passion's hall, 
To change a feast of pleasure into fight, — 
The soul is sunk in self, to be abhorred 
By vileness found therein, which long has slept 
In full security of bland Deceit ; 
Awakened now by Honesty and Fear 
To be forgiven ere it is exposed! 
The darkling shades of many things untold, 
Arise to plead excuse, or pardon crave. 
Ere eyes of all the world alight on them :— 
Such visages to most are long forgot, 
Or kept alive, alone, in Mem'ry's heart! 
'T is thus each one deceives his fellow-man, 
To be himself deceived in what he sees ; 
While skulk the Skeletons within the shade. 
Tormenting Doubt and apprehensive Fear! 

One Shade recalls to Memory a tale 
She once told Pity of and bade her speak 
The same unto the world, as due and right, 
Whene'er occasion was for such a speech. 
And such a time is now, if Wish may judge, 
And so Kecrimination hails it such. 
And urges Pity on, who thus begins: — 



160 THOUGHT THROBS. 



PITY'S STORY. 



I sing a song of woe ! 

I pray young maids take heed ! 
I tell a story true ; 
"Forsaken" is its meed! 
The tale that I would tell, 

Is of a maiden fair, 
Who in the country dwelt, 

Nor knew she any care. 
The days with her did speed 

Upon the wings of time, 
Each season brought its joy, 

Each harmony a chime. 
Spring gave a cloudless day. 

And Summer a sweet calm, 
And Autumn filled her stores : 

Nor could old Winter harm ! 
No care had she on earth ; 

Her heart was light and gay — 
A rosy sun-set sky 

Succeeded every day. 

Her will was silent law ; 

None wished to disobey : 
No tyrant was she, though, 

But sweet as some May day. 
The secret of her rule. 

Was found to be in love, 
Though beauty had she much. 

And gentle as a dove ! 
In truth, she was a maid 

Of guileless innocence, 
Whose will was to be good, 

Whose love was no pretence. 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 161 

But sad it was for her — 

Her parents both were dead ; 
The which she never knew, 

Poor di'eamy, little head ! 
They both had died when she 

Was but a toddling thing, 
Too young to know her loss — 

Consoled with rattling ring ! 
And so she grew a pet 

Without restraint or guide ; 
The goodness of her heart. 

By chance did good confide. 
Full confidence all felt 

That she could do no harm — 
And therein lay the fault : — 

None thought to speak alarm ! 

One rosy, summer day, 

She met a stranger grand 
While rambling in the fields : — 

She met him, gun in hand. 
For sport he had come out, 

And trespassed in her field ; — 
Her pardon he would crave, 

The which she there did yield. 
So earnest were his words 

She could not be severe : — 
Encouraged by her looks. 

He lagged to linger near. 

Of seasons, clouds, he spoke ; 

She listened, silent, coy ; 
Till wrapt in thoughts with him, 

She manifested joy ! 

12 



162 THOUGHT THROBS. 

And then he bolder grew, 

And spoke of life and love ; 
And whispered that he knew 

She was a little dove ! 
She could no anger show 

For these his hasty words, 
For they were sweet to her 

As songs of chirping birds ; 
The which in summer hours 

She 'd stolen oft to hear, 
And lying on the green 

Would drink their notes so clear ! 
But "mocking notes" were these, 

Tlie sequel soon will shoAV, 
Spoke by a cunning Hawk, 

Whose purpose now we know! 

To her fair home he came — 

Not once, but many times ; 
And won her trusting heart, 

And spoke of wedding chimes ! 
No word of harm heard she, 

But full believed in him ; 
For sure she thought him free 

Of fault: with virtue trim. 
Her maiden trust was strong ; 

Her faith in man replete ; 
She never dreamed of wrong — 

Her fall was thus complete ! 
In one ecstatic trance 

She lived for many days. 
Forgetful of the world 

And all its stormy ways 
What sweets life held for her! 

Yet none had told her this ! 
Until the stranger came 

She had not known such bliss I 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 

They rambled over hills, 

Through meadows, dewy, sweet ; 
By chaplets in the woods. 

Through fields of rip'ning wheat : 
From crystal springs they drank ; 

In shady arbors sat — 
The bending boughs blushed 

To hear the lovers chat ! 
His arm would often steal 

About her maiden waist, — 
His lips would meet her lips, — 

Their souls would bound in haste : 
With panting breath to cling 

Yet closer to their love, 
As if by strength of arm 

Their deep aflfection prove ! 

But let us draw a veil 

O'er actions indiscreet ! 
Suffice it here to say : 

Intrigue found apt retreat ! 
And love o'erstepped its bounds, 

And conscience lost its sting, 
And drunk with passion they 

Dreamed of no earthly thing ! 

One day a letter came 

From some far distant town, 
Commanding his return : — 

He read it with a frown. 
He saw no reason why 

He could no longer stay — 
But go he would, of course ! — 

She listened in dismay ! 
With secret purpose then 

His mind and will were bent : 
Why should he not prolong 

These happy hours spent ? 



THOUGHT THROBS. 

He whispered words of cheer, 

He spoke of happier times, 
If she would go with him 

And help him ring the chimes ! 
Of peoples, balls, and dress, 

Of Grandeur with its state. 
Of feasts with wines and songs : — 

Her heart new throbbed, elate ! 
Of harm she never dreamed, — 

No one was near to warn. 
Or tell her of deceit— 

This little country fawn ! 
Herself she saw in gowns 

Quite matchless in their grace. 
And hung them o'er, in folds. 

Rich Oriental lace. 
The jewels at her throat 

Shot scintillations clear ; 
Golconda's richest store 

Ne'er held them half so dear ! 
And yet the fairest sight 

To her rapt mind was this : — 
And what a thrill it sent 

Through her charmed soul, I wis, 
Around herself she saw 

The mould of Fashion bend ! 
The cynosure of eyes ! — 

Her wishes all attend ! 
And more than this she saw : — 

But why pursue the theme ? 
Enough it is to know. 

Her thoughts, full rife, did teem 
With all the things that Wish 

Or Longing would behold ; 
Or Love would speak as good, 

Or Hope would here enfold ! 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 165 

Imagination peeped 

Within the glass out-held, — 
Which wicked tongue had glazed 

To cast a wicked spell ! 

The sequel now is this : 

She ran away with him, 
And left her heritage 

To heirs more sage and prim. 
Her childhood's home she gave 

For promise — nothing more ! 
As simple maids have done 

So many times before I 

The world which she had seen 

Within her dreams, she found 
All barren of sweet love, 

And full of wrangling sound ! 
Of glitter and of glare 

She wearied soon enough, 
But found no resting place 

From Powder, Frill, and Puflf ! 
Nor from the baleful stare 

Of wicked, wanton man. 
Whose words were insolent, 

And acts Avild as some Pan ! 
To meet his pleasures, she 

Was forced to do his will, — 
The madam held the reins, — 

And wounded Pride was still ! 
Her wanton sister maids. 

To care gave not a straw. 
But painted and bedecked, — 

Debauchery was law ! 
With jeering laugh and scorn, 

They danced the hours away ; 
Resplendent in their plight ! 

From Virtue far astray! 



166 THOUGHT THROBS. 

A round it was of days 

And Bacchanalian nights, 
Wliose orgies filled the head 

With whirls of giddy sights : 
No time was left for thought, 

Obtrusive though it was, 
For such would leave the head 

Confused in its "because" ! 
No reason could explain 

Such wanton disregard 
Of life and Virtue's ways ! — 

And so the path was hard ! 
A dearth of mothers' care 

Was seen in face and heard : — 
She never marked an eye, 

Nor taught a guilty word ! 
An impress clear there was, 

Stamped by some impish hand, 
And circles dark marked eyes. 

And Love found ill command ! 

The little maiden lost 

Repented of her sin 
Too late to profit her, — 

The world cared not a pin! 
" Her bed she 'd made," they said, 
" To lie there was her meed " ; 
And Honor, too, was led 

To speak such as his creed ! 
Vain Charity then mocked 

Her efforts to atone ; 
Withdrawn within itself, 

It left her out — forlorn ! 
Her home was confiscate 

And locked within her face ! 
Her path led back to shame, 

And Hist'ry lost its trace ! 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 

The truth of all of this no one can doubt, 
For many have been guilty of its score, 
Who listen to it now with ill distrust. 
But hapless time Recrimination chose 
To urge poor Pity on with such a tale, 
When all the Passions are upon the quick 
Of sharp retort, so ready, too, with wrath, 
To charge and counter-charge their grievances 
To any end Distrust may lead them to ! 
Those who have fallen thus, as Pity told, 
Feel here a sting recalling all their wrongs ; 
What arts were once misused in their downfall. 
What promises have turned to bitter gall ; 
What hopes are wrapt in cerements now of Death, 
That base Deception promised them for all 
The pleasures of their youth, which they foreswore 
For such a life as falls now to their lot I 

Confronted with this story full of truth, 
As proof, the victim standing in the glare 
The chandeliers cast, where all can see — 
Shame finds no blush to hide acknowledged guilt, 
So boldly frowns such accusations down. 
And turns himself to Hate and wounded Pride, 
Resolved to cower Truth or stir up Rage 
To such a pitch that Honor will be drowned 
In all the tumult raised, his charge unheard. 
To thwart this, rises Justice, who commands 
The Virtues to defend the cause of right. 
And let the truth prevail although unmask 
It may the hidden secrets of the Soul, 
That Candor all may see and so despise ! 

Poor misdirected Jest, with Impudence, 
Now turns to Arrogance for reasons why 
His looks are all so dark, for surely none 
Has hinted that Suspicion holds him close 



168 THOUGHT THROBS. 

To others in his deeds ! — in truth, Desire 

Is foreign to his wish, nor will he crave 

One favor at her hands, — though free, indeed ! 

His tongue is ready for a quick reply. 

And fire, like lightning seen in blacken'd cloud. 

In blazing wrath now flashes from his eye, 

As turns he, fierce, on Jest and Impudence, 

In answer to their taunting words and looks. 

But what he might say now is hushed, for Brag 

Recalls him to the dignity of Sham 

And all his vain display: — but, rankling still. 

He fain would turn again to vent his spleen. 

Did not Gloom break in here with his dark speech : 

GLOOM. 

'Tis true, this story Pity told just now! 

Our reason tells us truly why, and how! 

Here Honor is so weak and Lust so strong — 
The one can not outweigh the other's wrong ! 

Quintessence of some love, is Friendship true. 

But frail to cope with Passion's strength or due ; 
It leaves its wish in helplessness to cling 
To figments of the brain, asking nothing 

But kindness in return for acts and deeds; 

Confounding not its duty with its creeds : 
While Love with avariciousness would have 
The object of affection for its slave ! 

Each day some Honor finds itself bereft 
Of dignity and stay, 

And some one falls to shame, and so is left 
To eke her bitter day ! 

And yet Benevolence will ever prate 
Of duty and of deed, 

When all the world well knows and can relate 
How purposeless his creed ! 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 169 

Within this hall, and gathered here, I wot. 

Are many now to Virtue long forgot; 

Whose stories, were they writ and posted where 
The rest could read, to Gossip would be rare I 

Say painted on a helmet 'neath its plume. 
Or woven in the skein of jacket's thread ! 

What darkness would this light thus so illume? 
What paths of degradation would all tread ! 

Hypocrisy, thou art our king, in truth ! 
Our guise for now, the slough of yesterday. 
The mark for all the morrows yet to come ; 

Reshifted by old Time to hide the truth, 
Regilded by Deceit lest you betray 
The deeds and darker secrets of some one ! 

Manhood is base enough ; but yet more dark, 

Methinks the Night is settling now: — but hark! — 



It is the voice of Faith breaks in just here. 
Who can not be restrained when doubts arise 
To speak in concert with old Gloom, who says 
Such gloomy things regardless of the peace 
And good intent of all here gathered round. 
Above the rest, his face aglow and clear, 
He stands, with purpose and content so marked 
In contrast with the countenance of Doubt. — 
His words are these, and bring they here much cheer : 

FAITH. 

Now Scorn is hushed, but still the chamber rings 

With his abuse of Beauty and her Love ; 
And what he said both nettles us, and stings 

The better gift of man from Him above ! . 
The heart, and soul, and Tenderness itself 

Is rankled with those words which breathe but hate I 
'Tis as a moan wailed by some peri elf 

Debarred the peace within, at Heaven's gate ! 



170 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Then is it not enougli that Faith should rise, 
Since Claeer has fallen low, nor speaks his praise, 

To soothe the troubled heart and hush the sighs 
Awakened by the tumult of Scorn's ways? 

To teach the spirit comfort, raise the eyes 
To higher plains of vision, fairer days 

That leave some ling'ring brightness in the skies — 
"Pillar of fire" by night, to guide man on his ways? — 

'Tis need, methinks, to speak of all these things; 

And so I will, for Hope much comfort brings. 

When he accomp'nies Faith, — though swift his wings ! 

This little thing of Faith, is strong and brave : 
'Tis mightier than the mightiest, and can save 
The soul from all the horrors of the grave! 
A lever of the heart, uproots it there 
The thistles of its doubts and woeful care. 
That flourish in the fallow soil of Cheer. 
A wand of Hope wherein great power lies, 
To scatter clouds of Doubt that lower skies ; 
To clear the sunshine of Divinity, 
And coax its light within that we may see 
What cozen'd Darkness hides from you and me : 
When most the heart is grieved, then Faith is strong, — 
A Houri of the soul e'er chants his song, 
And sweeter are such notes than birds can sing, 
When gayest in the balmy hours of spring ! 
The season when no storm can break the rest 
Of those once chosen to be ever blest! 

Let settled Gloom but hear, and mark my word : 
He'll see poor Melancholy is absurd 
To still affect a gloom when Cheer would speak, 
And brighten such low faith, or Soul that's weak! 
For sad Despair and Gloom and poor Distrust, 
Faith's mission is on earth ; and save he must 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 171 

All doubting ones, else futile is his charge ; 
Or only half performed to so discharge. 
With Confidence he can all this perform ; 
Without, he can but warn, or speak of harm. 
Pleads he for some such trust as you may show 
The frailest thing on earth found here below! 

'Tis Faith that breathes a lowly prayer at night. 

And cheers the shrinking soul through gloomy hours; 

And he is first to see the dawn and light, 
And offer up his praise to higher Powers! 

Who lies him down to slumber feels secure, 

If Faith stands watch, for naught can him allure. 

'Tis Faith that buoys up afflicted hearts, 

And soothes their pains, and eases much the smarts 

Caused by the world's imparity and arts! 
'Tis Faith that harbingers, mid bitter strife, 

Some peace to come, when that poor, stricken Life, 

May lay aside its toils, so sore and rife ! 

'T is Faith that in the heart of Doubt can find 
The Temple of its Trust, where lie, concealed, 

Asleep, the hopeful attributes of mind. 
That would, but can not see the Truth revealed, 

Till he awakens them to Sight and Sign! * 

Who lives in Faith, lives in abode of stone 

That storms can never harm, nor, scurr'ing, sweep 
One jot aside; and there the Soul can sleep, 
Distracted by no Tempest raging round ; 

Since there it can not hear the dismal moan 
From one without, or any other sound 

That 'scapes the lips of Doubt, — a dying groan ! 

*Constantiiie's faith revealed somethiug like this in his £v tovtu viKa 
(in hoc viiice), or his in hoc signo vinces premouition of his victory over and 
slaughter of Maxentius. 



172 THOUGHT THROBS. 

It is the Temple, Peace, 

Where Love abides; 
And conquerors here release 

Whom bondage chides ! 

A Fortress yet more strong, 

Art can not build ; 
A Dsedalus were wroag, 

And quite unskilled ! 

A Labyrinth it is, 

Where guilty Fear 
Can find no way within 

To frighten Cheer. 

All bow before the shrine 

Within this cove, 
And here none can repine, 

For all is love ! 

How can the world see not to Faith is due. 

All that is good, is wise, is fair, is true? 

All that can bind in perfect unison. 

The doting heart that even Love has won ? 

That Social order owes its union, too. 

To Faith and Faith's decree — firm friendship, true ? 

He who remembers not 't was Faith that led 
The Chosen through the Sea and Wilderness ; 

And in the hour of need them clothed and fed, 
And shielded them in all their sore distress, — 
As wandered they in Lands, and were oppressed — 
Deserves no better fate than mocks his rest ! 

Faith has proved talisman to ordei's made ; 
And laws propounded it has forced obeyed. 
'T was he who fettered wills in solemn pledge 
To laws Confucius made, that were obeyed 
A score of centuries, as men allege. 



PASSION S PANDEMONIUM. 173 

Lycurgus held them, too, through such a sway — 
And laws like his were good observed to-day ! * 
What other thing than Faith would prove so strong 

To spread the tenets sprung in Galilee, 
That teach the difference 'twixt Right and Wrong, 

And point the way above for you and me ? 
Then should we pray for Faith and banish Doubts; 
Then should we close our ears to Discord's shouts; 
Then should we live in Virtue, holding Trust 
The dearest of our fellows ; Scorn the worst ! 

That Hope's star may light our night. 

Let us pray ; 
That sweet Cheer Hate may not fright, 

Let us pray ! 
That the solemn hour of night 
May awaken no such sight 
As would please distempered Spite — 

Let us pray ! 

Through our Faith we see the day. 

With its light! 
Hopes arise to point the way, 

Onward, right ; 
And the blessed Sun will stay. 
Shooting here and there a ray — 
Lighting up life's weary way 

With his light ! 

Trust we all things good and brave. 

Or that 's true ; 
Teach the heart to love and crave 

All that 's pure ; 
When old Death would make our grave, 
Duty will Immortals save, 
And the Soul will live no slave. 

As in you ! 

•■'Aristotle hardly gives the Spartan Lawgiver aud his laws the praise ac- 
corded them by Plutarch— aud Aristotle is the better authority. So do our 
idols fall. 



174 THOUGHT THROBS. 

But momentary pause the speech creates ; 
Nor has it deep effect on those around ; 
Nor once relax the lines in Doubt's grim face, 
Whose speech was halted by these words of Faith. 
'Tis true, those who believe with Faith, once more 
Regain composure to some slight extent. 
And feel new throb within the heart a hope 
Of coming peace, should Tumult but subside, 
Or drunken Revelry sink to his rest! 
. Conditions, though, seem most adverse to ends 
The peace beseeching hope for, and opposed, 
The greater number stand, with drunken leers 
And darker frowns and bitter, taunting sneers ! 
The quick is touched somewhei'e in every breast. 
And sweet Forgiveness can scarcely soothe 
The rankled feelings of them, one and all ; — 
At least not since some Rashness would recall 
In each one's speech, the failings of the rest! 
And every word so spoken is retained 
Within the heart of Memory to brood 
Distempers and the cursed flocks of Hate ! 

Such champions of Despair as mingle here. 
Must needs bring much of gloom, while those opposed 
Seek but to filter in a ray or two ; 
And so 'tis speckled cast with dark and light ! 
'Tis here a light, and there a shadow falls, 
Like clouds and sunshine on a blustry day,— 
The Virtues there, and those we would conceal 
Are Vices loosed to curse the light of day— 
But all some part in human weal or woe! 
Contention in our passions when restraint 
Is broken by some reckless Disregard, 
To mingle all Emotions good or bad ! 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 175 

Ne'er frowned two armies fiercer drawn in line, 
Whilst armistice of peace restrained their arms, 
Than frown the baser Passions here to-night. 
On those inclined to peace and not to war ; 
Or frown the fiercer to the fiercer's stare! 
Discretion has his better part forgot, 
Nor else had such offence been in the speech 
Of each, whose purpose was to heal the wound. 
And not inflict a new one with the tongue. 
Yet how can speech be made without remark 
Upon the strength or weakness of the parts 
That constitute the man, or feed his thoughts — 
The very source and fountain of himself ? 
'Twas puzzling to the minds that speech have made; 
'T will puzzle those that follow, too, I trow ! 

The Good and Bad will ever war, it seems, 
So long as side by side they lie in man, 
And Action has the prod to stir them up. 
'Twere vain to call a halt, though Prudence would, 
Now that the Passions all are full aroused; 
For each one feels a right to speak his thoughts 
And give the reason of his present course. 
Why Beauty should be heard and Envy not. 
This Envy can not see, nor will she husli 
Until the multitude, her story knows ; 
And Jealousy will finish out the tale, 
No matter how conclusive it may be ; 
Then Vice will call attention to some things 
That Love has quite forgot, or worse, concealed; 
And Sham will rise to let all fully know, 
That Beauty owes to him much of her show! 

Thus firm resolved, impatient they to speak ; 
Excitement rises high and much restraint 
Is needful to withhold them till their time. 
Spite and Distrust, and Mischief, too, attempt 



176 THOUGHT THROBS. 

To seize and use the present to begin, — 

But Doubt breaks in, to whom tliey all lend ear ; 

While crouched in deeper shade hides trembling Fear ! 

His voice is trumpet to the things unknown, 

And stirs the thoughts of all in wild alarm 

When Explanation can find no excuse 

For folly given in as "sacred Truth; " 

Or tell the reason why such things are so, 

Or why we things profess we do not know ! 

Now this, now that ; his words so call to mind 

Some struggling Thought that never was defined ! 

And first with pathos does he soft commune 

With every tender cord that knows not why 

It rings to peans of Faith's victory ; 

With louder swell he then some Eeason starts 

To weigh a judgment as against a heart; — 

But can you climb the gamut of his song? 

These are his words, — now fit your scale to them : 

DOUBT. 

Doubt bears a hateful name ! 
'Tis sad to be despised when we can find 
Naught that should lead our friends to be unkind; 

To feel a nameless want, 
I can not see 

Why all the world should taunt, 
Poor, miserable me ! 
When that the very want is as a sea, 
All boundless, raging, stormy as can be : — 
With sweeping winds, but ne'er a wake, nor lea ! 
Confusion in the mind ; no light to guide 
The fragments of one's thoughts, as scattered wide 
O'er billowy deep, they sink in froth or ride 
The shifting waves: — then why should others chide ? 
Doubt can not answer for his doubts : no more 
Can Faith for what he feels, or what he would deplore ! 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 177 

Has Doubt, then, any aim ? 
Faith would deny him that, or say it was 
The imjmlse of tlie Evil One whose cause. 
This Doubt is servant to that he may wreck 
The gilded ship of Hope, upon whose deck 
The children of some God seek speedy way 
To Kealms beyond, where shines perpetual Day ! 

Think you this Doubt to Pleasure can say " Nay," 
Without compassion for himself, now, pray ? 
Can tear from bleeding bosom all the charm 
That renders life worth living, cools alarm ? 
Or fits us by confession for the Death 
That sternly Avaits this palpitating Breath ? 

I listen to the words that others speak, 
And try to feel how foolish and how weak 

I am, if what the rest have said is true : 
For they can read the Book of Life to me ! — 
Interpret every thing I can not see ! — 

And yet the Book is blank to me — and you ! 

To stand aloof and listen to the cries 
That Bigotry would herald to the skies, 

And mock them, as it seems that now I do. 
May wound the feelings of the " Lenient Saint," 
That one could be so dead, nor feel restraint 

When all the rest believed ! — but is it true? 

This question rises ever in my mind. 

And seeks the answer that it can not find, — 

In favor, not at least, with what it hears ; 
And if I seem to mock with my cold stare. 
It is because I can not find it fair 

That some should know, while others die in fears! 

13 



178 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Doubt holds this as his view : 
That Truth is greater than the Shadow which doth pass for truth ; 
That Faith is strongest whicli hath gone beyond the bounds of 

truth ; 
Tliat Hope is not the truest measure of this world's accord ; 
That Fact may mar the fondest dream our wishes may applaud. 
That all the joy we feel in simple trust, or selfish youth, 
Are Folly's recompense for Wisdom's woeful want, insooth ! 
That better 'tis to sow a grain of Wit in nature's soil, 
Than reap an harvest Wish has grown of weeds, sprung with no 

toil: 
That Phantoms are not real, though to the cred'lous eye they seem 
All that our Fancy would make out of them, and not a foolish 

dream ! 
That Night is mother of those Dreams which fill our hearts with 

sights, 
Naught but the Sun of Day can drive away with his more certain 

lights; 
That born with such were many faiths you now believe as true, — 
No Intellectual Day as yet has banished all from you! 
That Wisdom fears no Doubt, but looks upon him as a friend. 
Who will reshift his facts, and point his better judgment's trend ! — 
Now, how see Faith and you ? 

A Radamanthus so may judge 
Betwixt us here: I will not budge 

Until more facts I see ! 
And if Faith prove the stronger, I 
Will then most graciously comply ; 

To know, is faith to me ! 

My mind and ears are open to the words that Truth would speak ; 
. Confound me not with chatter then, to Reason limp and weak ! 
Compare me to this Faith so fair, by deed and recompense: — 
Who has advanced mankind the more ? Now speak without pre- 
tence ! 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 179 

If bound them into Nations he, by trust victorious, 

Their State I liave advanced by making man more curious ! 

This "Skeptikos" means ^'thought,'" and " Skeptesthai " "to look," 

"perceive; " * 
And "Scope " to human knowledge gives more than this "Ibelieve! " 
Still banded as poor "Troglodytes," in caves men yet had dwelt. 
If Faith had ruled alone with them, and I had not been felt ! 
But Fate decreed it otherwise, — from lowly stage they've grown, 
While Faith, chameleon-like, is changed in hue to hold its own : 
To-day is .red ; yesterday, black ; to-morrow may be white : — j 
Let seasons pass, the time may come when Faith may yet be right ! — 



Here Faith is seen to squirm at such rough wit, 
But looking round, the crowd catch but a glance. 
To raise a shout of laughter that might shake 
Some Tower yet of Babel to the ground ! 
A gath'ring then there is of fellowships; 
The mirthful and the sad, the stern and weak, 
In clans of difF'rent strength and hoist' rousaess: 
So grouped about to offer strange contrast. 
To Faith, come Cheer and Hope and Bigotry, 
Met here on common ground through in t' rest kin ; 
And each some comfort to the other speaks, 
Or bids him be alarmed at naught he hears. 
Since Friendship will prevail, or so they think. 
Or try deceive themselves with such a thought! 

But Truth and Honesty take now no part; 
And near them sits old Wisdom, hearing all 
The many notes that make the hubbub loud ! 

•'■"S/ce-r^/cof, inclined to reflectidn, thoiujhtful ; auiTzrea'dcu (aKiTrrofiai), to look- 
about, perceive, show us the derivation of Skeptic, which has not the opprobri- 
ousness of the other terms used to-designate a doubter. When we remember 
also, that it is akin to scope {aKOTTog), view, range, we see no reason wliy 
■' skeptic" should not carry some honor with it as well. 

tSanguine to-day; black in the Dark Ages; immaculation in its promise 
only. 



180 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Yet Jest, and Humor, laughing still, can see 

Wit struggling with dark Gloom, who would oppose 

His better sight of Doubt when he would speak : 

And Love withdraws to those whom he would cheer, 

And Beauty hovers nigh, and so does Fear. 

The group now led by Frenzy, calls for "speech," 

And Doubt continues thus, with fiercer tone : — 

DOUBT — (COIfTINUES). 

'T was Faith and superstitious Awe that gave 

Old Jephthah's daughter to the sacrifice 
Of Rashness' vow ; nor did his honor save 
The son of Idomenus from the grave : 
A father's vow lay open as the price 
Due to great Neptune and his sacrifice ! * 
And such like charges may fore'er be brought 
While taking that for granted which is sought. 
But day and time is passed for such, I ween, 
And nevermore shall see what they have seen 
Befall the "faithful," whom Faith's arts beguiled 
Into the Dungeon's rack, — to put it mild ! 

Now Witch and Hag and Prophetess have fled. 
And all their vagaries with them are dead ; — 
From Sibyl of Cumae to Jean d' Arc, 
Or witch of Endor to the modern mark 
Who gave himself as victim to the creed 
Which fired the Puritan to such a deed 
That will forever hang upon his name. 
To taint his fair professions still with shame ! f 
From Inquisition Courts we now are free ; 
Auto de fes no longer do we see. 

■■' It is strange that all the Jewish stories more or less can flud some Pagan 
fable of resemblance, almost invariably, too, antedating them in time. 

fOur "Mayflower" folks were little improvement on their forefathers of 
the XIII and XIV Centnries. 



PASSION'S PANDEMOXIUM. 181 

With lurid flames to light the midnight skies ; 
Or hear again the victims fearful cries ! 
The "Tocsin" ceased to ring when Doubt api^eared, 
Though Heresy at first was what was feared, 
And gave the impulse which, in ignorance, 
Spread devastation through a " world of trance." 
A commentary strange, the world admits, 
That cause unto the deed so hap'ly fits ; 
For all the slaughter on the people sent. 
Occasioned was by " Bull " of " Innocent ! " * 

Yea, Bull of Innocent rang tocsin loud. 

And brought to rack suspects of some witchcraft — 
Because? — Mayhap it wa;s the victim proud, 

Held self aloof from them; or may be laught 
O'er their wild fancies, or their motley crowd! 
Domdaniels of assembled fiends they thought 
The cloisters of the wise wherein was taught 
That Science which in later years would turn 
The mind to Reformation, then, to spurn 
Its former faith with Luther's spirit stern ! 
But ere such day had dawned, you must confess, 
A myriad victims fell ! — some more ; none less! — 
The work of Ignorance and Bigotry ! — 
Slaves to the dogmas of Church infamy ! 
The world had better been had Satan's boast, 
" To hang vile D'Amon and D'Urtubbe," cost 
These wretches their base heads; for they it was, 
Conceived and forged the Inquisition laws!f 

=■' Pope Innocent (?) the VIII. 

t " The Commissioners, on the eve of one of the Fiend's Sabbaths, placed 
the jibbet on which they executed their victims just on the spot where Satan's 
gilded chair was usually stationed. The devil was much offended at such an 
affront, and yet had so little power in the matter that he could only express 
his resentment by threats that he would hang Messieurs D'Amon and D'Ur- 
tubbe, gentlemen who had solicited and promoted the issuing of the Commis- 
sion, and would also burn the Commissioners themselves in their own fire. 
We regret to say that Satan M'as unable to execute either of these laudable 
resolutions.'"— Scot's Demonology and Witchcraft, Cli. VII. 



182 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Here Faith would speak in answer, but the rest 
Will hear Doubt through, and he again is hushed 
To hear continuation of the speech. 
The countenance of Doubt more gloomy grows, 
And deeper yet his voice as this he says: — 

DOUBT — (continues). 

In Phlegethon they say that souls may writhe 
In all the tortures of infernal woe, 
That God his mercy to mankind may show ! 

Whose wisdom still invents to torture with. 
The " Lakes of Fire " and " Hell," or " Shades " below ! 

Now this accounts for all the ills we see 

Inflicted on the fools of ages past, 

Who killed, and died, and starved, that such a fast 
Might bring them nearer to that " Kingdom " free. 

Which Faith had promised to them at the last! 

A "Purgatory" to the soul is Life, 

Whei'ein the sore inflictions are, we know. 

From Him most wise and just, — that He may show 

Us bliss by teaching first what bitter strife 
" Is flesh's heir" : — the contrast here below! * 

With such a reason for the ills we feel. 
Linked with a promise of Elysium bright. 
Our gloomy thoughts are changed to wrapt delight, 

And Faith reclaims such wisdom as can kneel 
To Superstition as a heav'nly sprite ! 

'T is Doubt that comes as skeptic to the fane 
Of Superstition's altar, to define 
The proneness of the Faiths that so incline ; 

And none save he has power to profane ; 
Or Learning set to war with such design ! — 

■■' Herbert Spencer remarks that wlieu he sees a nran who believes the Deity 
imposes burdens on mankind, he is reminded of the fact tlrat Devil worship- 
ers are not all dead vet. Bunyans of faith are with us notwithstanding. 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 183 

Here Memory recalls some better day, 
And speaks of lessons learned within his youth, 
That tau2;ht some kinder speech than used he now, 
And coaxed some brighter hope to light his brow 
And smooth the wrinkles out which Care there brought 
So soon as he began to study Sham, 
Or learn the art of base Hypocrisy, 
Or form a closer fellowship with Scorn 
Than warranted the justness of his thought. 
With all the warring elements full roused. 
And Truth within the balance struggling hard ; 
And Wisdom to his right, while on the left 
Stand Eri'or, and his fellow. Ignorance, 
And straight in front, are Honesty and Fact, — 
He wavers for a moment, then resumes : — 



DOUBT — (continues). 

I doubt not all the virtues that seem good ; 
I doubt not good impulse oft moves the man ; 

I only doubt what Wisdom says I should : — 
The false, alone, incites my eye to scan 
Its skeleton of truth, and its command ! 

My mind aweary grows with all the sham 
The Age still wears to hide its woeful want ; 

A relic of the past it is and slam 

Upon our Progress, loud in its own vaunt, — 
That sounds to echo Nothingness in taunt ! 

'T is for a surer footing that I work ; 
My effort is to see the way more clear ; 

No hai'dship Truth imposes will I shirk, 
Such labors to me have been ever dear : — 
Thev drown uncertainties ; make vision clear ! 



184 THOUGHT THROBS. 

To know that Hope is blind, as taught of old ;* 
To know that Faith is brother, too, and dark, 

Unable all it tells us, to behold ; 

Does not deny us Friendship, nor the mark 
Of Fellowship — nor freedom of the lark ! 

True happiness is bound by no false creeds ; 
Contentment lies within no given scope: 

The guerdon of a life is worthy deeds, — 
And Wisdom can the eyes of dullards ope 
To brighter scenes than wait on fitful Hope ! 



A cry arises now inquiring cause 
Which leads the child of man to found a creed 
Whose aim is explanation of the world ; — 
Its whence, its why, its future and its end ; 
Or groping in the Darkness, why it then 
Should spring the thought of Immortality ? 
Or fashion out a Heaven for the Soul ? 
In answer Doubt continues thus to speak : — 

DOUBT — (continues). 

It is the Unexplained that hints at Immortality ! 
The known was ever dumb, is silent still ; 

And all we think we know of life beyond Reality, 
In sober truth, are guesses at the Will 
Of That beyond man's finite ken and skill ! 

Of Him, forsooth, whose mere existence is opined by man, 
Who feels the limit of his wisdom's scope ! — 

In explanation of Inexplicables, understand ! — 
For fear some Truth a mortal eye might ope 
To render it less trustful than its hope ! 

"It seems that the Greeks monopolized most of the wisdom of the ancient 
world. 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 185 

The exjilanatioii in itself, to doubly thus confuse 
The mind that was bewildered with the first, 

Does little to explain ; yet teaches Faith how to misuse 
Its reason, which, of follies is the worst 
To prostitute the sense by Ignorance curst! 

'T is cowardice to throw Existence's explanation where 
The mind in inner darkness e'er must grope. 

When bound'ries lie more near us which our knowledge can 
compare 
With facts conn'd in the Lab'ratory's scope — 
Though such may not be food for foolish Hope ! 

So many things of " Future States " we 've heard : 
But none that boi-e conviction with their word ! 
A Home beyond the grave? — A promised Goal, 

Such as a Socrates would picture there, 
Were unction good,, indeed, for any Soul 

To which Doubt gives a care ; whose thoughts compare! 

This Death, opined he one of two things sure : * 

'T is either deep Oblivion and sleep, — 
An endless Night whose spirits would allure 

The troubled Mind to slumber sweet and deep, 
Wherein no Dream would wake reposing Thought 
To stir with Life, or cope with things distraught ; — 

* Socrates' own words are worth reading here, even if you have already 
read them; if not, then they are doubly worthy of being read now, for here 
was one of the greatest of the world's thinkers, and one of the earliest 
agnostics, who honestly confessed that he did not know. Perhaps he had been 
a Gautama or a Jesus, worshiped as a Buddha or Christ, as they, if he had pre- 
sumed to have known that which from the nature of the case it was impossible 
for him to know. But to his own words, which came in answer to Melitus and 
his other accuser, and in the face of the official condemnation of his own death, 
pronounced upon him by the Thirty tyrant Judges, whom history still loves to 
execrate : 

" To die is one of two things : either the dead are annihilated and have no 
sensation or any thing whatever ; or there is a change and passage of the soul 
from one condition to another. If it is a cessation of the being, or all sensation 
—a sleep, as it were, in which the sleeper has no dream — this d^ath M"ould be a 
wonderful gain 1 For 1 think the sweetest night that life hath known is that 



186 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Or lives in transmutation still that Soul 

In Purgatory here, as beast or man ! — 
Beyond his feeble efforts or control ! 

Awaiting Vishnu's coming or command, — 
Mow of Rest that follows his advent. 
At which the hours of toil will have been spent! 

Metempsychosis of the Brahmins, this ; 

Buddhistic Nothingness the most of that! — 
Though cited by the learned Greek, I wis. 

Is nothing save some barbarous fiat, 
That leaves us in the doubt we were before. 
Or tells us plainly that no one can know! 

But in a Heaven as he pictures there ; 

Where Minos, Rhadamanthus and the best, 
Will judge the deeds of man, prescribe his rest, — 

They, known on earth as wise, and just, and fair, — 
It were indeed a boon to be so bless'd. 
Could we but go and dwell there — so confessed ! 

wherein slumber wrapt the soul from all the thoughts of day, or dreams that 
thoughts disturb. If death is a thing of this kind, I say it is a gain ; for all 
futurity is but this one sweet night! But if, on the other hand, death is a 
transition to another place where dwell the dead who have lived here, it were 
a blessing sure. For if, in Hades, released from those who pretend to be judges 
here, one shall find those who were true judges, and who, it is said, are judges 
there, Minos and Rhadamanthus, ^acus and Triptolemus, and such others of 
the demigods as were just during life, would a removal thence be sad? At 
what price would you not estimate a conference with Orpheus and Musseus, 
Hesiod and Homer? I should be willing to die often if this be true? For to 
me a sojourn where I should meet with Palamedes, and Ajax, and the other 
ancients who have died, would indeed be sweet. There, by comparing suffer- 
ings once endured, could we not understand and love each other for the pains 
borne? My greatest pleasure would be in passing the time questioning them 
as I have done those on earth, to discover what of wisdom there I could. What 
might I learn from the hero of Troy, Ulysses, or a Sisyphus ? or the myriad 
others who are there w'ith them ? . . . You, O my judges, ought to entertain 
good hopes with respect to death, and to meditate on this one truth : that to a 
good man nothing is evil, neither while living or when dead, nor are his con- 
cerns neglected by the gods But now it is time to part— for me to die, for 

you to live. Bu«t which is for the best, no one can know! "Socrates' Apology 
as paraphrased from Plato. 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 187 

There, nestled in beneficence divine, 

Beyond Life's sting, the Avorld's imparity, — 

In Love's retreat about this sacred Shrine, 
The Will would learn restraint is but to free! 

Reciting ea.ch to each the hardships borne, 
While journeying his stage upon the earth ; 
It were a consolation sure, and worth 
The pains it cost ; for by such shall be known 
The bliss comparison will thus have shown ! 

But who will this profess? avow it true? 
Has Socrates, or any one yet found 
It more than Hope's vain dream? an empty sound? 
The cred'lous man it may be can allure; — 
■ But what of him who seeks for deeper clue ? 

The Ormuzd and the Ahriman of Fate, — 

And Fate I take as That that has transpired, — 

Still war below to leave mankind the hate 

Born with him in the Egg the Good One sired — 
But addled ere its hatching was allowed ! ^ 

" Eternal Light " is still absorbed in " Night ! " 

"Eternal Justice" meets with much that 's wrong! 
"Eternal Fitness," though to Truth most "right," 

May fall into an "error" yet more "strong," 

And by such "error" be so led along! 

Fair " Mithra " of the Pehlvic Deity ; 

Grand "Symbols" of the little that we know, — 
In very truth, much "good" and "bad" we see; 

But how distinguish, is for you to show! 

And to poor man now tell just w^hat you know! 

* The story of the Zeudavesta which relates the addling of the egg of the 
good god by the machinations of the evil god— the egg with the germ of man- 
kind in it— is the only fair theological explanation of the ills of life, and we 
can not wonder that from this Ahriman the Jews should borrow the conception 
of Satan, which has brought Hell into this world, and all its woes. 



188 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Remember, as you go, opinions change ! 
And faiths? as many are as men you find! 

And by contrast you '11 see things very strange — 
The Fejee and the Fin, have you defined ? — 
Environments, it seems, oft mould the mind ! 

To be esteemed a virtue, that of theft. 

The Turkoman may give some fair excuse ! 

And may be he who has some child bereft 
Of either parent, and by such abuse 
Mounts higher in esteem and public use ! * 

Examples of these kind we oft can find 

With little effort on our part to see : 
A note-book will bring many things to mind 

O'er which we might well marvel, — such the sea 

Of Faiths and Creeds, full of iniquity ! 

Explain ? Who can explain save he who knows 
That conduct is a thing from acts evolved ? 

The Good and Bad of life, the truth now shows, 
Are so from some Utility resolved 
From acts directing thus, or thus "evolved " ! f 

Your Magi are as vain as Priests have grown. 
And quite as foolish in their vain belief ; 

They can not see how Doubt can all disown, 
Or find a reason for his " sane relief," 
From shackles of your " barbarous belief " ! — 

'■'■It is esteemed honorable to be a clever liar in Egypt (and some other coun- 
tries as well ! ) ; the Turkoman pays divine honors at the tombs of noted thieves, 
and the Fejee gets an additional star in his heavenly crown for every enemy he 
kills ! Don't contrast our society for fear of disparagements ! 

fAll honor due Mr. Herbert Spencer." 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 1811 

A silence falls again, broke by a cry 
From sad Despair, who drinks too deejj with Doubt 
The bitter draught of Thought's misgivings here ; 
And horrored by the taunts of all she knows, 
And all she may now guess, falls in a dream 
Where live alone the troubles of her life ! 
Dismay is blank in stare, and Fancy hears 
A groan from Misery, and him whose cheer 
Is promise of a " Future Life " to come. 
Distrust would fain here still his beating heart, 
But cries are ringing in his spirit's ears 
Of Death no Resurrection can abridge ! 
Despondency is heard to heave a sigh 
Foretasting Hell's deep gloom, where neither ray 
Of faith or promised joy can more illume ! 
And most that stand around are bowed to Doubt, 
Nor know now what to think, nor what their doom ;— 
Exi^ecting, yet expecting not a fate 
They wish, but find no reason for, nor fact 
On which to mount to reach its shining goal ! 
But even in this fatal hour we find 
Faith still upholds his head as nothing moved. 
While Hope seems brighter yet 'mid all the gloom ; 
And could he but arouse, he would relight! 
But Doubt resumes, his thoughts now running thus: 

DOUBT — (continues). , 

Oil for some Home beyond Life's fitful sea ! 
Far, far away from wrangling Humankind, 
And these the darting thoughts that throb the- mind ; 

Within a Zone where all may yet be free — 
Where sleep the restless waves of vast Eternity ! 

Free as the bird that mounts the swelling wind. 
Or rides upon the billows of the Storm, 
Borne ever onward out of reach of harm — 

So may I live and be so uuconfined ; 
Though Tempests rock the Deep, I '11 neither know nor mind ! 



190 THOUGHT THROBS. 

A Land where Patience needs no helpful part, 

Nor Friendship for some broken faith can weep, — 
For all is wrapt as in eternal sleep ! — 

Sweet as the Best when Slumber by his art 
Receives the troubled mind, and calms the aching heart! 



Now speech like this to follow that before, 
Seems most propitious of a turning point ; 
And Faith would here urge on him gentle Trust, 
Who might relieve him of foreboding thoughts, 
And set him on aright in Duty's path : 
And Reason tells him such would bring relief 
To gloom-pent bosom, or might ope his eyes 
To things existing not to him, yet seen 
By others blinded not to truths of life. 
Good Judgment and Content, and Wisdom, too. 
With evidence to bear what Faith has said, 
Surround him and proceed to make their speech, 
Conflicting with his own and Truth's rejoin. 
And Hope would add a word here to the rest, 
While Piety, her hands raise as in prayer, — 
When, nettled to the quick, and scorning words 
That have no other weight than selfish wish. 
Without the bearing of a fact or truth, 
Doubt breaks in once again, in manner thus : — 

DOUBT — (continues). 

Why should I weep at Death ? 
This Breath may pass ere it be fairly drawn. 
Or late at eve ; — it matters not: still on 
The world will move as though it ne'er had been ! 
The sun-lit skies of Life to fade in gloom, 
And sink to sepulcher within a tomb 
Unmarked save by a moss-grown stone to Hope ! 



PASSIONS PANDEMONIUM. 191 

Why should I weep to part? 
The friends I have so briefly known in life, 
So briefly will forget! The press of strife 
That hangs upon existence's fairest part, 
Will hush their grief for me, to mayhap start 
The fearful heart a throbbing o'er new fears, — 
Born with the hour, to seek surcease in tears ! — 
Time heals and leaves no grief within the heart ! 

Why should I pray for life ? 
Nirvana is the goal of all that lives ! 
Or such alone to souls a freedom gives ! — 
Souls rankling with Existence's pricks and ills; 
And all that Duty fosters or instills ! 
And true, Buddhistic Thought, which wisely says : 
"As long as Minds exist, so long there stays 
Remembrance of the ills which Flesh once felt" !* 
And Folly answers him whom tears can melt ! 

Why should I pray at all ? 
There comes from empty chambers of old Night, 
No echo back to Life to set aright 
Affairs dismembered here, for which I prayed ! 
Or stay the rush of Time, 1 would were staid ! 
Dumb stand all Gods save to the cred'lous ear 
Of Faith, which, bound and left in bonds of Fear, 
Lets Superstition answer, and believes! — 
Him whom the woi'ld confesses, e'er deceives! — 



The climax is thus reached, and all attend : 
Some in deep grief, all with great horror lend 
Their ears and thoughts to this erratic speech. 
That leads but to the mockery of life, 
And all its futile struggles, — if reward 
Is Nothingness and best to end it all ! 

'This is Gautama's reason for the religion of Nirvana— annihilati 



192 THOUGHT THROBS. 

What of "Design " or " Manifested Care " ? 

Are they estrayed ? or are they as the rest, 

Deceiving "signs," or folly, at the best? 

So Doubt would them define, and Fear premise 

The Truth ere it were known : and true it is. 

All that we think we know is only guess, 

While that beyond the Grave is silent still ! 

And Future Curtains have remained so drawn. 

Since first this Race begun, that eye of Sage, 

Of Prophet, or of Priest, has never seen 

One jot beyond, though Patmos' Vision may 

Some divination claim ! Who knows the gain ? — 

Some questioning mood now moves the throng entire ; 

This one his faith defends, that one his doubt, 

Both proving by their words that no one knows 

The truth of all he says ; nor Avhy, nor how 

Life came, or Life will go when it shall die ! 

Conflicting in their thoughts and words they speak ; 
Each questions every attribute he sees. 
Or feels, or knows in neighbor or in self ; 
Unable longer to contain the sum 
Of his make-up, which he has added here, 
And mingled with the traits he found without ; 
Or to suppress the pent of feeling which 
Has now so fearful grown it has become 
Too strong to brook — so horrored up by Doubt ! 
And seeing, too, that Hope is struggling hard 
Amid the other Passions to be heard, 
That Faith and Cheer lend to him all their aid ; — 
Despondency begins with doleful speech ; 
His gloomy thoughts in cadence, running thus : 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 193 



DESPONDENCY. 

I see that Hope would speak to silence Doubt ; 

I see that Faith and Cheer would lend him aid ; 
I see the rest would hear some more about 

The ills of life and how they will be paid : — 
If still in dark uncertainties, or rest; 
Or what all would agree, or deem the best ! 
Experience has taught me this full well, 
And time it is for me, I think, to tell 
What I have conn'd, though 't break your Fancy's spell ! 
My dream of " perfect happiness " is fled ! 
My faith in " bliss to come " is likewise dead ! 
The first I have found all opposed to Fate ; 
Or if not Fate, cold facts or sterner Hate, 
Which tells me that incongruous is a thought 
That sees in life but what it thinks it ought ! 
That Nature is quite dumb to struggling Life, 
Let Ages speak — and mark you but the strife 
That left in mould'ring heaps on shores of Time, 
Those species dead, which were to changing clime 
Not well adapted — by Misfortune left 
To rot ! Extinct the Fauna so bereft 
Of Godly care, or " Mutability," 
That could, but would not Life adapt you see ; 
But left it to mad Elements to do 
Whate'er they would with feeble me and you ! * 
And all that have survived Destruction's wrath. 
Have stolen from his sight ; or found a path 
'Long which poor Life could battle for a while, 
Until an inch were gained, and so — a mile ! 
Such want of care would prove my latter thought, 
And poor "Analogy" has vainly sought 

'•'All nature, says Science, is insensible to the life that exists in virtue of its 
conditions, and in its change all life is doomed that can not readapt itself. 

14 



194 THOUGHT THROBS. 

For instance which could liken such a dream, 
As " Future Bliss " to mortal eye would seem ! 
But carried to the end, ' tis thus we find 
Our Logic baffled and our Reason blind ! 

Then, to enjoy this life what must we do? 
Pursue such follies named ? or seek the clue 
Of Happiness, such as to life is due? 
'Tis found not in our faith, for as I 've said. 
Such is the child of Folly, and 'tis bred 
In Ignorance and by such ever led ! 
Nor is it found in Hope ; ephemeral 
Are all its promises, and none can tell 
How soon will flee its charms, when we shall fall 

More deep in gloom than ere its spell was felt : 
And contrast shows us that we would recall. 

And feeling, that we would had ne'er been felt ! 
Then, is it Friendship's part? and will he do 
For us what all the rest would fain eschew ? 
Had Friendship thus performed his duty right. 
There would have been no bickerings here to-night ! 
No need we now had felt for that restraint 

We pray for to preserve our peace and cheer ; 
Nor would Malignity have bro\ight complaint. 

Or misdirected Zeal foi'got his fear, 
And mad with such excess thus bring this strife 
That so much here endangers every life ! 

What has this Friendship done for me? 

Naught can I see, naught can I see ! 
What ill averted doomed to me ? 

None that I now can see ! 
A breath of coldness chills me through ; — 

A glance that tells me plain enough. 

That I am brunt and Scorn's poor cuff, — 
And not companion firm and true ! 



PASSION'S PANDEMOXIUM. 195 

What has this Friend^fhip done for me ? 

Now let me see ! Now let me see ! — 
No pardon has it found for me, — 

That I can hear or see ! 
Wlien Temjiters knocked at my closed door, 

It warned me not — I let them in 

To turn my soul to hell and sin ! 
And Friendship knew, — or did not know! 

What has this Fiiendship done for me? 

This much you see! This much you see! 
I once was innocent and free ; 

But now I 'm as you see ! — 
He knew or did not know the right! — 

Myself was prone to what I saw ! 

I did not know stern Duty's law, — 
Else to escape my fall I might! 

What has this Friendship done for me? 

Deceiver, say! — I can not see! 
Thy lack with elfish romp and glee, 

Hath proven more to me ! 
Reposing confidence is lost! 

I once believed, but now I find 

My faith was shadow of my mind. 
And paid in gloom what Friendship cost! — 



A pass that Soul has reached that can speak tiius! 
And such the poison of the fearful words, 
The venom reaches deep, and stings the source 
Whence Life and all content and happiness! 
So break in those who will not hear a wail 
Like this, and ere Despondency they'll let 
Speak on in manner thus, they'll fling him out, 



196 THOUGHT THROBS. 

And make him finish to the Night his curse ! 

The speech Thersites spoke was treason mild 

Compared to this, and at a time less apt 

To fire the mind, though then a time of war ; 

For this is war within, more dang'i'ous far 

Than any outward strife, or combat fierce 

Waged 'twixt contending foes when guiding light 

Of Peace may cheer and rule the soul wdthin ! 

Ulysses with commanding voice might hush 

The first, or stifle treason so by arms ; 

But who can silence Thought, or calm the mind 

At war with self and brooding o'er its ills? 

He w^ho can conquer self, 'tis wisely said, 

Holds trophy of a greater victory 

Than he who takes a City in her strength. 

Engirded by her walls, brave in defence ! 

'T is therefore well to hush Despondency 

Ere his distemper spreads and takes a hold 

In bosoms vulner'ble through some mistrust: 

And much has served to-night to make them so ; 

And many are the pi'icks that urge them on 

Rejecting what is right, confiding wrong ! 

To turn the subject of the discourse now. 
The better Passions try, but much success 
Crowns not their brave attempts and vain appeals ; 
For bitter have the others rashly grown. 
And tortured their own minds into belief 
That they have been the brunt of all the scorn 
That poor misguided Judgment has declaimed. 
So while the Good would turn the trend of thought 
To brighter plains and subjects of discourse. 
The Wicked stand opposed and soon triumph. 
And call in more confusion yet to drown 
The speech of any w^ho might call for peace ! 
So Doubt breaks in again while Tumult reigns. 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 197 

To turn the course of his remarks to Love 
Who boasted first, then, Beauty with her sham, 
Of whom he has not spoken yet, — not that 
He kicked a cause, but that he lacked a time, 
Considering first the things of most concern. 
All barken to his speech, for none can move 
So deep as he, so spur them to the quick ! — 
He with some little scorn, proceeding thus : — 



DOUBT — (resumes). 

Love has but leadened eyes where Beauty's show 

Is veiled by Ugliness ; nor does he know 

The value of the heart whose warmth and glow. 

Is hid beneath the marble cheek of snow. 

To him all beauty is just what it seems; 

The semblance which it borrows knows he not ;— 
Deception is so clever, and his screens 

Hang there between the eye and Nature's blot ! 
The True is hid, but pompous in display, 
The False can stalk about the livelong day ; 
Some part in all, so none will him betray 
Lest eye discover likeness in its clay ! 
But with mine eye, oh, what a world I see ! 
And seeing, how explain what here may be ? 

When Wantons fill the bed of Chastity, 
And set a price upon their love's embrace, 

What pleasure can we find in all we see, 
As 'long the pathway of this life we trace? 

Propoetides, 'tis said, cursed Cyprus first, — 
A marriage portion then awarded shame ! 

To-day the world is filled with all the worst 
Of their descendants, — too debased to name! 



198 THOUGHT THROBS. 

But devotees to Venus yet, though she 

Is said to have renouuced them long ago; — 

When they first pandered to their lusts to be 

Poor prostitutes of Wealth and Fashion's show!* 

The soul of man recoils within his heart, 

At sight of what he sees, while Wish would mould 

A Galatea of Pygmalion art, 

Could plastic clay, as in the story told, 

Be wrought in form as then, and so be bless'd 

With Life new born, and love-pulsating breast! 

A purity in love is what we need, — 

But phantasy and folly are our meed ! 

A Peleus with a changing wife ; 

A Thetis with her lord ; 
Deception wins the boon of life, 

And trickeries accord ! 

A lover with his tryst and vows ; 

A maiden bound in troth; 
Dissemblance comes with mocking bows, 

And faith is lost to both ! 

'Tis well, perhaps, if v»'e from such might learn ; 

In universal changes here, a change 
May fit us for life's duties which we spurn, 

In face of mighty dangers that derange 
The minds of not a few whose hopes are based 
Upon a smile or bow — often two-faced! 

Nor is the thing Ave wish for best when got ! 

The prize may prove a vapid sweet to taste ! 
The pleasure of pursuit may be forgot, 

Luxuriating in the wanton waste 

-'Even the Latins' conception of the Syrian Astarte, or the Greek Aphrodite 
—the Venus Pandemos as we know her— is represented as having reprimanded 
this debased custom that disgraced Babylon and all the countries since known 
to history. Still Debauchery reigns ! 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 199 

Our victory has bought with passion bold, — 
To vitiate our taste and leave us cold ! 

Ofttimes we look upon an eyely prize, 

And conjure means by which we may obtain 

That morsel for ourself ; and so devise 
For happiness its crucible of pain : 

Forgetting thus, that "Ignorance is bliss 

When it is folly to be wise" — as this! 

'T is now we wish to hold her close ; 

In failure feel despair! — 
But when our fortune chances to — 

'Tis neither here nor there! 

The spell is broken when we clasp 

The maiden to our heart! 
If her device has led us to ; 

Or painted bloom and art. 

Defloured once, she ever is 

A thing of little worth ; 
And love's affections feels she not — 

A sad and voiceless dearth ! 

Platonic love is all a dream : 

Philosophy's offspring ! 
Love has no calm or sickly mien, — 

Full passionate his sting! 

Deceive not self, but better see : — 

This fact was always true : 
That Love is fierce and wild and free, — 

Which even Plato knew! — * 

'• Plato was a bachelor and a dreamer, which may explain his ideas of love as 
given to us in his books on the Republic, and in his Ph.edrus and the Banquet. 



200 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Here Honesty uprises to his feet 
To flash his manly eyes on those around : 
With truth at heart and fairness on liis tongue, 
He would complete the story Doubt begun ; 
Well knowing that some censure spoke was due 
To curb the rising spirit of bold Love, 
And cool the rank audacity of Lust, 
And warn proud Beauty not to brag or boast. 
But that injustice had also been done, 
And imputations placed where Innocence 
Were wounded should the charge be made complete, 
He also knows, and this he would correct. 
Already Jealousy has beckoned Spite, 
And Envy and Caprice have met to smile. 
And dark Chagrin weai's still a curling sneer, 
And Discord growls at Fancy, whom he sees 
Bedecking self, some foolish one to please. 
The hope of Honesty is blasted though ; 
Nor has he time to speak in his defence ! 
His better purpose serves here but to start 
A shout again for Doubt to speak some more, — 
Who, nothing loath, continues in this strain : — 

DOUBT — (continues). 

I like this Honesty too well ! 

I would he could my story tell ! 

It would relieve me of the pain 

I feel in telling you again 

How vain the world, and how a Lie 

May even sometimes Truth defy ! 

O Modesty ! Where is thy blush ! 
Yea, Honesty, I would thy flush 
Could tint the cheek the world presents 
And prove it free of all pretence ! 
Drive thence the Sham of life away. 
And let thy light the false betray ! 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 201 

But where is Truth that he shows not 

In their true light vain Beauty's acts, 
To draw comparisons forgot 

In her summary of the facts? 

Can she forever boast and feel 

No fear of contradiction's truth ? 
Make faces wry behind her shield, 

Yet lead astray the wand' ring youth ? 
No one say " nay" ? no one define 
The impulse that would so incline 
The better judgment we might form. 
Could we but know her faults and harm ? 

So many things now rise to swell 
The tumult of the few I 'd tell, 
They leave me at a loss to know 
Where to begin or what to show ! 
I have not time to speak them all, — 
This little I will but recall:— 
The rest will speak itself to you : 
Avow it false; confess ii" true! 

While dark-eyed Grace before us stands, 

To proudly sway by her commands 

The thoughtless, gaping throngs around. 

Of silly dreamers idle found ; 

And princely head there stoops to bow 

Before her shrine, nor will allow 

A whim or fancy that she has 

Roused in her wantonness to pass, 

Until such want is amply filled. 

And the vain wish once more is stilled ; — 

Let him and her, and one and all. 

But stop to think, nor let enthrall 

Their souls such dreams of vanity. 



202 THOUGHT THROBS. 

That naught of truth for self can see ; 
And Virtue's charms they '11 find too rare ! 
Too sparsely scattered here and there ! 
Their bloom, their modest glow so bright, 
Like sweeping rays of Heaven's light. 
Fall on a clouded world below, 
Lost in itself and Darkness so ! 

Lost in the glare of Fashion's lights, 
Paled by her shams, — indecorous sights ! — 
Is Reason, too, or else he sleeps 
While Folly in the head soft creeps! 
How else could he so trust Deceits 
That pay in sham what Merit meets? 
That pass their painted ware, — with bust 
To fair proportions filled with dust? 
Creation has for woman done 
More than her arts can overcome ; 
And what of all can yet compare 
In guileless innocence — so rare ! — 
Or yet can crown that mantling flush. 
So coy and sweet — a maiden's blush? 

Oh, crimson glow on modest cheek ! 
'Tis thee, and thee alone we seek ! 
Thou stamp without of soul within 
Kept pure and free from worldly sin ! 
When love we fain would call our own, 
How fair that cheek with roses blown ! 
To start with love the brave man's heart, 
Thou need'st no guile nor fostered art; 
To thy shy glance his head he bows, 
And sacred unto thee his vows! 

A rose is prized until the dew 
Is scattered from its petals new. 
Its rich perfume, so briefly known, 
The impish Winds away have blown ; 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 203 

Until that hue fond Love espied, 
The wicked Sun has hast'ly dried, 
When, faded all, it hangs its head, — 
In sooth, we know^ its beauty 's dead ! 
Nor can an Art that bloom restore, — 
'Tis lost to all for evermore ! — 
And so the Sex Avith painted bloom 
And brazen stare will find its doom 
In blank Oblivion and Gloom ! 

If in this world of Sham and Art, 
A smile can light the human heart, 
And set at ease a mind distraught — 
So rankled by each varying thought — 
What then can rosy Mantle, blown 
From brow of Virtue, brighter grown, 
And wafted down to settle there 
Upon the cheek of Maiden fair, — 
Bespeak for her in Heaven's flush ? — 
The which we call on earth, a blush ! 

The lack of all I here deplore. 
Is known to you — and was before ! 
And what I feel, and what I speak. 
The world can not pronounce it weak ; 
For truth is at the bottom still. 
And there directs and guides my will, 
And bids me tell that wiiich I find — 
And speak a warning to mankind ! 



It is enough, this turn of Doubt's, to set 
The thoughts at odds upon another trend,— 
In mockery of Love and Beauty's charms ! 
It fills the heart of Envy full of glee, 
It pleases Jealousy, and Cavil starts 



•204 THOUGHT THROBS. 

When Clamor makes a momentary pause. 
So Honor must acknowledge much as true, 
Which Doubt has spoken in his critic mood, 
Or be accused by Justice of deceit. 
Or lack of virtuous merit in his name. 
A thousand instances soon flock the minds 
Of those assembled here, where merest shams, 
Assuming well the guise of honest Fact, 
Have wedded Innocence to breed Remorse 
And fill the world with fraud and insolence ! 
The evil of this Life, and most its ills, 
Are bred and fostered thus, and wild Distrust 
Will flourish in this wreck of Happiness, 
So long as all persist in such deceit! 

Amid the many passions that here sway 
Between extremes of Love and bitter Hate, 
Friendship and loud Contempt and wailing Woe, 
And Anger and Distrust and baleful Spite ; 
Eeproach is seen to move as if to speak : 
And now she mounts as on some rostrum there. 
And swings her hands to catch the list'ning ear, 
And in a doleful strain this wail begins: — 

REPROACH. 

Judge not from what you see. 
You see me dressed in silken gown, — 
Bright jewels sparkle in my hair, — 

My smiles seem apt and free ! 
The glitter and the glare confound, — 
In truth, they say but this: "She's fair!" 

Beneath the show, is me ! 

Now this I fain would tell : 
'T is paint upon my cheek that tints 
And hides its sallow cast of shame, — 

The painter does it well! 
Deception profits by such hints. 
To keep concealed the guilty name 

Whom Passion's cui'se befell ! 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 205 

I once was young and fair; 
Nor needed paint to hide my cheek, 
Or give life's hue a healthy glow ; 

Of charms I had my share ! 
The recollection now can tweak 
My guilty soul, since I can know 

No more, such pleasures rare ! 

My song you think absurd? 
Absurd then let it be ! To you 
This heart of mine I open wide, 

As soul to song once heard : 
Nor will I hide those shadows, true, 
Which prick and mock my lowly pride 

With gruesome look or word. 

I try to sleep sometimes : 
To drown in slumber if I can. 
The thoughts that surge within my mind — 

Find surcease from my crimes! 
But wings of rest can never fan 
The heated brow with thoughts confined ; 

Nor melody their chimes! 

Sleep, too, awakens dreams! 
And darkest yet those dreams which come 
To mark our slumber with unrest 

And scorn Hope's flitting beams ; 
To rouse us to Life's two-fold sum : 
Its ills and Succor's hopeless quest 

For what in fancy seems ! 

But to my secret woe : 
A guileless girl I was who knew 
Not what it was to feel the yoke 

Restraint would have me know ; 
Nor what were best to do, eschew — 
Despairing aught that wisdom spoke 

To me of virtue's foe I 



206 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Suffice it though to say : 
The story of my folly 's told 
In these few words — which hearken to 

Lest some one you betray, 
When, as on me, sKall turn too cold 
The world's chill breath to blow on you, 

And frost that which it may! 

Of lover's vows beware ! 
Too oft there lurks behind soft words, 
A purpose base, which ere we know 

We fall within the snare ; 
And flutt'ring there like caged wild birds, 
Full power would our victor show 

O'er those within his lair ! 

When woman's virtue 's lost, 
Lost then to her is all that life 
Which holds sweet comfort or can cheer 

A soul with passion tost ! 
The strong composure of a wife, 
Though all the world may seem so drear. 

Pays richly for its cost! 

Let man then speak his worst ! 
The name he has drawn down in shame. 
Will live to curse him in his pride, 

Though crowned with honor first ! 
Nay, but the guilt he feels is tame 
To that of woman's sting whose tide 

Has drifted seaward — curst! 

One prayer she breathes alone : 
To be released from worldly pain — 
Find sweet surcease in death ! — 

Her heart is so forlorn ! 
She fears no deeper cutting pain 
Than life inflicts with gasping breath, — 

So weary, faint and worn ! 



PASSION S PANDEMONIUM. 207 

Dying, dying- 
Then will come rest ; 

Dreamless, dreamless! — 
It is not best 
To one .forgot, forlorn ? — 



This shot lodged in the breast of more than one. 
Though random fired; and Justice sees them wince 
And fearful look o'er Malediction's curse ! 
It is as though the God of Secresy 
Some part of his full charge has given up 
To Truth's demand, or opened to the eyes 
Of Slander here some portal of the heart ! 
But guilty Conscience speaks this all alone! 
So far Recrimination has exposed, 
By charge and counter-charge, the very things 
The Passions would conceal, and given reins 
To Folly's will, and taken Fancy's course! 

A darkened scowl here clouds the brow of those 
Who feel that special charge is at their door; 
Or who can feel the mantling flush which tells 
To others of the secrets they conceal! 
Suspicion is alert to every charge, 
And marks each quiv'ring lip or downcast eye, 
Each restless move or softly murmured sigh, 
And urges matters on by glances swift. 
Accusing in directness of their stare ! 
So Admonition moves for less concern, 
Lest Accusation fix a charge on him ; 
But base Depravity is bold of mien, 
Outstares them all, and moves but to be seen ! 

A gloomy cloud o'erhangs them all, it seems, 
First sprung in wine, but fixed in Scorn's reply 
To Beauty and her Love, and by old Gloom 
And Doubt and mad Despondency, is made 



208 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Yet darker still, till Faith is lost, and Hope 
Alone remains to cheer the reckless thi'ong ; 
Or drop some cooling balm on galling wounds, 
New opened by the wail of rash Reproach. 
It is the resolution of the Soul 
That drives man to commit the fearful deed 
He long laments and never can forget ! 
The thing itself e'er crying in his ears, 
Mocking his rest and all the gentle peace 
Bequeathed to humblest life upon this earth ! 
When such a stage is reached there is but one 
That can bepicture to us fairer life, 
Or light the gloomy cast of darkest thoughts : 
Now, conscious of his time and what perforce 
Must follow soon if light falls not on those 
Here gathered round, so lost in grimmy moods 
That draw distortions everywhere the eye 
May turn, no matter what the worth or truth, — 
Bright Hope begins his plea in these soft words : 

HOPE. 

Above the din let voice of Hope be heard ! 
Oh, hearken ! hearken ! listen to my word ! 
For I would peace restore to you, and calm 
The tumult of your mind that no dire harm 

Befall you here ; 

Restore your cheer. 
And soothe the troubled spirit and alarm. 

Trouble is brief ; 

Likewise is^gri-ef, 
And sullen Despair an infamous thief, 

That steals in the heart 

To sting and to smart, 
And act in conjunction with Satan this part! 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 209 

But day will soon dawn, 

When Manhood and Brawn, 
Will return to drive thence Night's doubts and his scorn ; 

And bring back repose, 

And comfort to those, 
Whom Evil has tortured while Folly so chose. 

To beguile fickle Cheer, 

To bemock with a sneer, 
Is the office of Doubt : — but his words,|a]l so drear, 
Only Folly can flout, else is futile his leer'! 

Day brings sweet reprieve 

To the heart to retrieve 
Poor Anguish, so tortured through Night's dreary[hours; 

And the soul finds relief, 

And surcease from its grief, 
In the light of its wish and the glow of Day's'flowers. 

To see you bent in gloom so, grieves my heart! 
To rouse your drooping spirits is my part; 
To tint the leadened skies with heav'nly light, 
Is my one duty and my sole delight. 
Despondency has naught to do with me ; 
He would imprison — I would set you free ! 
Oppression in the soul so staggers life, 
That all there is, is one perpetual strife ; 
Gloom is reward, and ills but to repay 
The travails of the first and natal day ! 
But I would mellow evils and surprise 
The stormy heart with bonny, sunny skies ! — 
So let me speak the truth and hush your sighs. 

Now Doubt has cast the most of gloom, I find. 
By his wild speech, and set Despondency 

To wailing o'er the vacancy his mind 
Too truly finds in its dependency 

15 



210 THOUGHT THROBS. 

On what itself contains, — which is too blank 

Of hope or truth — if I may be so frank — 

To find example, or a fact to show 

That which the least among us all should know ! 

And Doubt is just as guilty as can be ; 

Of gross conceptions full, which even he 

Could find some exemplar to show how wrong 

And mischievous and misconstructed, too, his doleful song. 

Before we all agree with Doubt, 

Let us hear some more about 

Nature and her tale of life ; 
Whether it agrees with that 
Doubt would cite us as fiat, 

Spoken to this struggling life. 
And we will doubt this much right here. 
And ask this question, straight and clear: 

Can Philosophy unfold 

All the secrets left untold 

Of this vital Spark and Mould ? 

Can it tell us whence the Breath ? 

What is Life and what is Death ? 

Whence the "Ego" that in me 

Says, " I am and yet will be?" 

If it can not all explain. 

Silence had it best maintain ! 

Does not the subtile charm of life itself, bespeak us hope ?* 
Though eye of Wisdom lack the range or penetrating scope 
That can see aught beyond Death's door, or Life's declining slope ? 

We were not, but we are ! which speaks a Power 
The finite mind is powerless to judge! 

And^can this same be banished in an hour, — 

* " The soul," says Socrates, "is immortal, because it contains the principle 
of ^motion within itself, and this principle has no beginning, for if a beginning 
were created from anything it would not be a beginning." In ihe Phgedus, not 
the Phaedo of Plato, 1 51. 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 211 

Inanimate again, which naught can urge 
To action as before ? 
'T were vain to here ignore, 
Tliose living promises that hearts explore 
To tell us of an After-death, and more ! 

"Analogy" may hint at "Life to come," 
And " Prophecy " may tell its tale elate, 
But still within the human heart is some 

"Divinity" that speaks of "Future State" : 
It fashions and it rules the rugged will, — 
It speaks to wrangling Doubt : " Peace, thou ! be still !" — 
'Tis Fancy, say you now? Then Fancy lives 
The joy of all mankind ; for Fancy gives 
This hope to bless and lighten human cares, 
And all the other ills she fitly shares, — 
And with me, plucks from bosoms many tares ! 

'Tis foolish, all of this you hear me say? 
Then listen ! I will prove another way ; 
Or if I fail to prove, let Doubt explain ! — 
The truth the Truth supports as I maintain ! 

Is Life from Death ? 
Inanimation still the source 
Of Life, full of its sentient force, 

And Will, and breath ?— 
As Pagan Sages taught ere there was born 

In Galilee, One who should teach 
Immortals not to fear or mourn 

Life's lasting sleep — Death's timeless breach 
'Twixt Soul and Body, which on earth 
Are joined together from the Birth ? 

" If Life is born of Death, then death is life 
To prove it so" — * 
Said Sages long ago, 
And to contend with Doubt, is fruitless strife ; 

^ The Phsedo of Plato, 1[43, and 58, and 59. 



212 THOUGHT THROBS. 

For Instinct is the proof that goes beyond our birth. 
And holds in memory things to this life most worth, 

Learned ere we were, or reminiscence still 

Of Deity, or His diviner Will ! 

This innate fact, " I am," can add to this, 

And show a " future " sure to all, I wis — 
Imperishable like the first degree of Life, 
Which did continue whole through change and fetal strife, 

To grow the metamorphosed self we see, 

Whose destiny Faith sees a greater yet to be ! 

Why sleeps there in the mind of savage wild, 

A concept far above his cruder thought, 
Which tempers his fierce will to actions mild. 

When at death's door a fellow brave is brought? 
It is the Soul within him that declares 
This kindred breath is freed from worldly cares. 
And that beyond the Grave comes rest to those 
Who have done right on earth, or bravely chose 
To die in Valor's rank, or for the sake 
Of their great faith, which Conscience to them spake ! 
Hope knows no Hell, and sees alone the Light 
That shall illumine every soul in spite 
Of Hell and all its wild, illusive fright ! 

'T is better for us here to live in dreams. 
And bask within the sunshine of such beams, 
Than wail within the gloomy shade of Doubt, 
To know our whence, whereto, and whereabout ! 
Mad world it is that turns the deaf ear now; 
Nor will the comfort of this much allow: 

In the exuberance of fancy I have seen 

Many a world by brightest haloes sickl'd o'er. 

Where modest blooms with rosy blush or golden sheen. 
There fringed the brooks and purling waters 'long the shore ; 

Anon, Pavilions fleck the cool, inviting green, 
Wherein soft Ease reclines to rest forevermore. 
And the rapt Soul is satisfied with all in store ! 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 213 

Where " Fountains " flow of wine and honey clarified ; . 

And Houris wait upon the " Lords" admitted there ; 
Nor is a charm or pleasure dreamed of left denied ; 

For Man receives of all the goods, a Godly share ! — 
A dozen " dark-eyed, beauteous maidens " are his pride ! — 

Now though an Islam dream, it is a picture fair; 

Yet Hope may see a Paradise perhaps more rare ! * 

A " New Jerusalem " now flits before my sight, 
Whose "streets are paved with gold," — swing "gates of 
pearly hue" — 
Where "Emerald "and " Topaz " bear up with strength 
and might. 
The mighty walls rebuilt for resurrected Jew 
In Heaven, where, redeemed, he sits upon the " right" 
Of Him who judges there; and with the "Elders," too, 
He shouts the praises of the God on earth he knew ! f 

E'en "Soul-Supineness," J which the Buddhists hold the goal 
Supremest of Man's wish who dwells in misery; 

I can yet see, beyond the Deep, a rising shoal, 

Where "pebbles" are the bitter "thoughts" there 
turned to be 

Rare jewels in the diadem of Peace, whose mould 
Is as a mitred Crown which Immortality 
Has wrought Forgetfulness — bestudded as you see ! 

Or yet the " Eed-man's Happy Hunting Grounds," where he 
Will be rewarded when on earth his work is done ; 

Or that poetic Heaven from all labors free — 
The bright " Elysium " by classic heroes won ; 

Or any Aiden || fair that man has longed to see. 

And for its rich reward Life's evils all would shun : — 
I, Hope, will onward guide until the Eace is run! 

*The Koran, Chapters xiii, xlvii, Iv, Ivi. 

tThe Apocalypse. 

t The Nirvana, or perfect rest of annihilation. 

II The Greek ' Airf^f was equivalent in signification to the Buddhist's Nirvana, 
since " out of sight " meant "non est" to a certain extent. Plato says, " The soul 
is invisible, and it goes to a place like unto itself, excellent, pure, and invisible, 
and therefore truly called the " Invisible World." Phsedo, 689. 



214 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Not unsubstantial to myself is all I see, 
Though but a visioned world in ether blue ! 

Some Solace finds a birth in what I wish to be, 
That can in part the ills of flesh subdue ! 
I let such wishes soothe me, — can not you ? 

Forgetfulness is here the recompense you see, 
And burdened minds would free ! 

The floating, haloed worlds within my fancy seen, 

Though fairer than in dreams we picture them, — 
With Seraphim and Gods, sits man of holy mien ! 
In fellowship communes as one of them : 
At peace the sons of Japheth and of Shem, 
And Ethiop sons of Ham ! — 'tis real enough, I ween, 
To flash the soul much sheen, 
And leave it so at rest within its dream ! 

The outer Darkness full of frights, wherein 

Still harbor Night and ghastly Death and Sin, 
May suit the " Sports" Creation has but sprung 
To wring the souls of others, or be wrung ! 

But never can such please the mind of men. 

Who will not thus to Melancholy bend ! 

Why torture then the mind with thoughts like these. 
Which Scorn or Doubt or Hate alone can please ? 

Or start up Pain or Anguish to torment. 

And leave the Soul with Sorrow to lament? 
Peace lives with Hope and Joy that the Day 

Sinks to no greater Shadow than the pause 

Between the breaths of Light, when Darkness may 

Bespeak for Slumber through these natural laws — 

A soothing rest to knit again the life 

To better battle in this world of strife ! 

If what I 've said be taken now to heart. 
Much that was said before will never start 
You to do that you would so long lament, — 
Which sure you will, so soon as rage is spent. 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 215 

Come ! Learn a lesson from me here to-night! 
Let not your anger lead you on to fight 

Because of some fancied ill. 

Perhaps it was not your will 
To be seen in such hideous plight 
As you will if you stir up this fight, 

Vainly to prove your right! 
This much to your Host is due, — 
Who has toasted and treated you : 
That broils you here eschew ! — 

Keep Honor in full sight; 

Reward him with your might. 
I would not mention what I saw, but then, 
You might by failure fall to it again ! 

I can no reason see for such a broil ; 
Nor why dissent, or wrangle here, or quarrel : 
You thus will pleasures mar and tempers spoih 
If there is grief among you, then forbear 
To give expression to that grief, for Care 
But shoulders care, which other ills would share. 
I would that Hope were Argus-eyed and could 
Loan each of you an eye, — I 'm sure I would. 
That you might see with me and so behold 
Things to inspire, and fitter thoughts unfold. 
From misery I would turn eyes to bliss, 

And raise your thoughts above this fearful spell ; 
And every grovling impulse, such as this, 

I'd drive away ere low your honor fell ! 
I would not let your mind thus dwell in gloom ; 

To leaven your despondency my hand 
Would ever busy be ; — Death's final tomb, 

Lugubrious should never seem to man ! 
To point the errors of Life's doubtful dream, 
Hope flashes in the soul his golden beam ; 
And all the darkness flees in wild despair, 
And Faith redawns in peace and glory there ! 



216 THOUGHT THROBS. 

I see beyond the welkin of the world, 
The smile of Love and Peace, that earthly churl 
Can never mock with hate or sneer of scorn, 
Nor tease with petty spites, nor faithless, warn ! 
Hope gives to purblind man a second sight, 
That sees ahead the danger line and light 
Which is to guide the craft of Faith aright ! 
He, with his wish, rolls back the curtained Night, 
To show the Day beyond bathed in the light 
Of Peace eternal, and the Throne of God, 
Which mortals will fall heir unto when laid beneath the sod ! 



A speech like this were well at any time ; 
But what a consolation in its ring. 
When all the Passions brooding are and dark 
With rage, or sentiments suppressed, or fear ! 
A light steals in the hearts of not a few, — 
A ray shot from the manly brain of Hope, 
As self-illuminant he stands in gloom, 
And lights the darkness on his every hand; 
Minervas in his thoughts, his eyes, on tongue, 
Full formed for Valor's duty, and his will ! 
Faith now regains his courage, which had fied 
When Doubt begun to speak, and Cheer returns 
To claim again the privilege of speech ; 
And Mirth begins her badinage with Wit, 
And Trust hunts out and counsels some with Fear, 
Who has not left though much resolved to go. 
He wonders if good Peace is full restored 
To his accustomed place within the heart 
Of every gracious creature round this board ? 
Scorn smiles a sickly smile in answer now, 
And seems to mock such thoughts with his bold stare; 
His look and sneer too truly would abuse 
A trust within a hope : and Gloom bestirs 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 217 

Like Sepia, to cast a deeper gloom, 

Tliat he may hide himself from eyes of those 

Whose penetrating glances would espy 

And show him prey to all the Follies known. 

Or deep depressions felt within the heart ! 

Too soon such ink o'ercasts the sky of Hope 

To leave the Passions groping in the dark I 

And ere the sky is cleared again, vile Hate, 

Stung by the words of many gone before, — 

Just from a conference with Spite and Spleen, 

Now challenges the speech of manly Hope ! 

Dismay here follows every nod and look, 

While poor Despair drinks in his every word. 

Which runs in raadden'd tones and gestures, thus : — 

HATE. 

Now Love, and Faith, and Hope, we've heard; 
But has there come with any word 

The truth we long have sought? 
Our faith in them must soon despair. 
If they do not sometime declare 

The things in due they ought ! 

To hush the tempest Doubt has roused within the soul. 

They give us what! — exuvi^ of Hope ! 
When all our passions are beyond such weak control, 

What valiant weapon, this, with which to cope! 
'T is not a slough we ask for, but an arm 
That can defend us 'gainst the brunt of harm ! 

A hopeless task it is that Hope pursues. 
And to his every effort still accrues 
Some ill, to mock the act, or truth confuse. 
If Truth were not so far beyond the ken 
Of these delights, or if some Fact could pen 



218 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Just what is known and what is only thought ; 
In what a mess these worthies would be caught ! 
Faith would be found naught but that which we feel 
And give no reason for, — the vain appeal 

Of Wish for what it would were true ; 
No logic to the mind, but Folly's weal ; — 

Its weakness not its truth, appeals to you ! 
And I am much surprised to see how fain 
We would believe that which we can't proclaim 
With any great regard for truth and candor, — 
Since rather to our wishes do we pander ! 

Fair Justice, should he speak here, would surprise 

The giddy and the foolish and the wise, 

Who deem it out of place for one to speak 

In grave or lightest tones of any freak 

Of their imaginations, or their will 

To quaff the cordial. Wish, to Folly's fill 

Thus Honesty becomes a thing of sound ; 

And Justice is a name and nothing more ; 
The first with vain Conceit you must compound ; 

The other is the end Faiths most deplore ! 

This last becomes a measure we would mete 
To others who have faltered or gone wrong; 

While our vindictive selves would fain defeat 
All ends that Truth declares to us belong. 

'T is ever thus the Vaunting would maintain 
Supremacy achieved through fault or strength ; 

And thus they limit justice and restrain 
Its force to here revolt at any length ! 

And Love ? But what is love ? Shall we repeat 
What Love has said himself ? It is not meet 
To the occasion now that we define 
Him thus again ! The truth would here confine 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 219 

Imagination's range, which then was stretched 
Beyond the limit whence a fact was fetched ! 
Now this is what I've found most love to be, — 
(And it is strongest in a youth, you see): 
Imagined sweet that fills the heart with gloom, 
And paints a hell, and calls it— friendship's boon ! 
Born of its passion's self, in folly thrives ; 
It sickly fades with age — in doubt it dies ! 
Its pain e'er stirs the unfledged heart of youth; 
Adds scorn to early puberty, insooth ! 
Deception's foulest child ; twin brother, too, 
Of Jealousy, whom all would fain eschew ! — 
It twines itself about the human heart; 
It rouses Hope, yet trades its truth for art; 
And culmination finds its promised joy, 
A hollow mockery, a vain decoy! 

If Hope were not the breath of human sighs, 
He might some region claim within the skies ; 
He might some consolation bring that would 

Live long enough at least, for us to learn 
Its worth, or its first syllable of good, — 

For which the panting heart must ever yearn ! 
But such is not the office of a breeze. 
Which sways the mind as wind among the trees ! 
The zephyr of a virtue can not teach 
A moral good, or mend a moral breach : 
And " Virtue is its own reward," in lieu 
Of one more fair, or virtuously true ! 

The Good, the Bad, are mixed so in this life. 
That Wisdom falters pointing out the which ! 

Indifferent to both is that fell strife 

That carries all before it, hem and stitch. 
From shift of Chastity to rag of Witch! 

A naked fact remains when all is done, — 

And here it is, where Hope at first begun : 



220 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Our dreams have but our senses overcast, 
To vanish soon and leave them all unmask'd ! 
Such is the Sport of Hope : to turn the eyes 
From facts before us, to the thing of sighs ; 
In which the profit is : an hour spent 
That Satisfaction may long years repent ! 

Yet Hope grows eloquent indeed, when he 

Would speak of what he thought we ought to be ! 

He gives a lecture on poor Faith and Doubt, 

And hopes withal, to hear one rousing shout 

In his own praise — which.no one yet has said ! 

So let me say right here, this mucli instead : 

He by his peroration sought to sliow 

The cause and sum of all this human woe ; 

Instead, he proved beyond a cav'ling doubt, 

The very thing he sought to turn about ! 

So metaphysical he grew he fell 

Into the pit of Ignorance, and — well, 

The proof he brought to prove Immortal Life, 

Served but to show the world's continued strife, — 

From Germ within the egg to doom of Life ! 

If Instinct be the Thought of Life before, 

Remembereii through the sleep of Death — (as taught 

By Plato and the Sages long ago) — 

What then is this Forgetfulness in sort? 

Such reminiscence, too, extends to all; 

From mankind down the scale ; from large to small. 

The brute and insect holding strongest link 

'Twixt Life and Life — to span Death's yawning brink ! 

And transformation is the same to both, — 

To Fetus and to Pupa, I'll take oath ! 

And Embryos of Apes show every change 

That marks the fetal Man as wond'rous strange ! 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 221 

Then would you give the proof and say that man 
Is equal in his chance for life to come, 

With any butterfly or grub that can 
Show instinct of a former life, or home 
It knew ere to the present it had come? 

But Science bids Inheritance to speak, — 
And this has never died since the first Germ 
Was sprung in fecund mud — a wiggling worm ! — 

And it now full confirms this strangest freak ! 

It tells you knowledge is a something grown 

From pains and aches and pleasures that we felt 

Sometime in past ; — first as sensations known, 
Then, by association. Memory spelt 

Out Reason, and on Judgment Wisdom grew, 

And turned its eye abstractions soon to view.* 

This "Instinct" we are pleased to fix on those 
That lie beneath us in the scale if life, 

Is but a term our vanity once chose 

To mark the difference 'twixt "flute" and " fife ! " 

It means that Bipeds will not now admit 

Themselves as ierrce nascent with the " kit ! " f 

Inheritance has lived, — will live always — 

While Species grow extinct, — each growth decays ! 

Yes, while the Stalk has lived the Branches died ! — 

And what became of them? Has God denied 

Them heritance in Heaven ? or a Soul 

To live again, — if in some diff"'rent mould? 

Some Savage thought, indeed, an Image cast, — 

Which you hug to your bosom in the dream 
That Life is in the slough ! but that is past : 

And all that now remains is that same dream ! 

"Hobbes, Locke or Hume, or whoever is entitled to it, should have the 
credit of an explanation that has started the world aright in metaphysical 
thought. 

t The vanity of man has kept his eyes closed to many things otherwise very 
manifest. 



222 THOUGHT THROBS. 

And this Forgetf illness : Have you observed 
The term is euphemistic here of Death ? 
Stands for Decay and passage of this Breath 

That struggles in the grasp of Time deferred? 

I tell you Death pursues your every move ! 

Grasps every thought that slips your feeble mind ! 

Takes everything old Nature would unwind 
From skein of Life, as Dotage here doth prove ! 

Bright Science would now have us all to know : 
At certain periods each man is new; 
No part of him, no molecule in view 

That was component of that self before ! 

Each atom has its flight ; each day its change : 
Our form, it seems, preserved as if some speech 
Was given changing atoms to beseech 

Recurring ones to take their stations strange ! * 

Yet still the man doth change in visage, form : 
His Youth doth pass to Manhood and to Age ; 
Each pace in life unlike each former stage ; 

And whispered secrets can not hold their charm ! 

What say we of the forms that went before ? 

The steps that Growth took to produce the Man? 

Are they preserved ? and will they hence command 
Their former place in Resurrection's show? , 

Old sores of Life are cicatrized and lost ; 
The molecules have failed to mark the scar: 
So died the thought that sprung up with their jar; 

And present dreaming knows not now their cost ! 

*Tyndal marvels at this. 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 223 

I tell you that this thing which can forget, 
Is just as surely Death as Thought is Life ! 
And Memory is but the feeble strife 

Of molecules for forms, to hold them yet ! — 

It kills our vanity to this admit; 

But Truth is more in harmony with it. 

If I were toned to pity, I would weep ! 

If I were bred in folly, I would sigh ; 
But if as Faith himself, I could not keep 

The pace of such a faith that now can cry ; 
Then laugh ; and cradled with some folly, sleep ! 

Distressed awake, in darkness soon to die ; 
Believing still the greatest truth a lie ! 
Discriminations you can make to none: 
Your latest proof is likeness of the one^ 
Man offered first to prove he was the son 
Of —well he knew the least who first begun 
To tell what he knew not — beneath the sun ! 

And progress have you made with cray-fish tread ; 
When tides have washed you forward, backward led ! 
So if some fetish charm beguiles you still, 
Continue to believe it " God's good will ! " 
A Murabo Jumbo of a god is He,* 

And Moloch was His likeness in Gehenna ; 
The fairest vale of Earth, a Tophet He 

Would make to roast or bake a wretched sinner ! 
A sinner less perhaps in fault than view, 
And trundled out with filth because he knew 
Not what the others all professed to know : — 
And Bigotry must answer for his woe ! 

Go speak your faith and hope in Folly's ear, 
And cheer her, as such faith can fitly cheer ! 

'•"A careful study of the traditions of the Jews can not fail to discover a 
likeness in some of the attributes of their Jehovah with traits of their other 
gods and demons. 



224 THOUGHT THROBS. 

The mind of Wisdom comes to judgment now, 
By diff'rent methods, which you must allow, 
Than ever were employed in the proof 
Of Faith, or his vain matching of the truth ! — 



The light that Hope had brought is turned to gloom, 
And every eye is fixed on Doubt again, 
And every thought is sti'Uggling with its fear. 
And every fear is roused in terror up, 
Expectant of some ill that may befall 
The helplessness of those who can not cope 
With Anger, nor the madness of the throng. 
No hope is there for peace and quiet now; 
The object of the speeches, too, is lost, 
And Prudence can not hold them in restraint. 
Nor Peace such struggling passions still assuage. 
The tongue of Hate has broken every bond 
That Honor vouched unto his better self ; 
And since bright Hope has spoken no avail, 
Who is there yet to speak so well as he ? 
Will Honesty now settle all disputes. 
And reconcile the ends unto themselves? 
Will Justice show the balance in his scales. 
And measure out to each his rightful due ? 
Will Virtue show the good of all her ways, 
And call the wand'ring passions back again 
To reason and their duty in this life ? 
The better passions find no voices now 
That can be heard above this gen'ral roar ; 
And what of virtue speaks at all, speaks low 
Unto the conscience that to-night is deaf. 
Or drunk with all the dark, imagined wrongs 
That Doubt and Hate and Anger speak to souls ! 
A time it is to long lament in days 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 225 

When sober judgment will return to those 
Assembled here to-night, and this wild scene 
Shall rise in vision dark to contrast those 
Of brighter cast, as silhouettes of woe ! 

Frivolity and Jest, and Humor, too, 
Are far beyond the pale of Gayety ; 
And Coquetry is loath to practice arts 
On whom she can or may, for Peace has fled, 
Or lurks with Fear behind some column there; 
And Prudence eyes the way that leads without. 
Where Mirth and Wit are stayed by Eidicule, 
Who, with Brutality, debar the way ! 
All that are here must stay, or find escape 
By other egress than the one debarred ! 
'Tis Melancholy's turn and sad Despair's, 
Who take no part in these festivities, 
Save that of lookers on ; but with Chagrin, 
They now upbraid, or cry in childish grief I 
The first so moved to speech, is dark Despair, 
Who with a quav'ring voice commences thus; — 

DESPAIR. 

Oh, what a world for me. 

Low, sad Despair ! 
All strife and misery, 
Fall tf) my share ! 
No one to care, or warn me of the thorns 

That grow along the pathway I must tread ; 
No one to hide from me the sneers and scorns 
Of those with whom all sympathy is dead ; 
And Mockery 

Is all too free 
To scoflf and heap her ills on me ! 
i6 



226 THOUGHT THROBS. 

In vain I seek for Hope and Cheer ! 

Within this world I find them not ! 
A desert broad expands so drear 

To me, all hopeless and forgot ! 

Oh, what a world for me ! 

Come then, thou cheerless Lie ! 

I scorn from thee to fly ! 

Come then, thou bitter sky ! — 

Come frost me that I die ! 

Truth, art thou true to me ? 

Speaks Scorn the fact ? 
Is Faith so lost at sea 
He can not act 
As pilot to the Soul shipwrecked in doubt, 

That struggles in the gloom for phantom buoy ? 
That rides the waves, — to sink with dying shout 
Into the yawning gulf, — so like a toy 
Lost in the sea 

Eternity 
Has marked as grave for you and me ? 
I listen for reply in vain ! 

The Truth speaks not ; — but yet, indeed, 
I think I catch this low refrain : 
" To me, what matters faith or creed ? " 
Truth, art thou true to me ! 
Come then, thou fitter Lie ! 
Come soothe me with thy sigh ! 
Let not the bitter sky 
So bite me ere I die ! 



O Hope ! where is thy ray 

And brighter goal ? 
And whence is flown that day 

Of which thou told : — 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 227 

When Pleasure dwelt with Joy, and Humankind 

Was let into the Castle of its dream ? 
When Scorn could not combat, nor Doubts combined. 
Could dam the flow of Faith's pellucid stream, 
Whose drift was Love, 

And God above 
To guide it onward to His cove ? 
Eestore that time to earth again ! — 

If thou canst prove thy boast so well, 
Reward us with that which hath been, 
So we in kindred bliss may dwell ! 

Hope ! where is thy ray ! 
Come light the gloomy eye. 
And let it see the lie 
That hides thy fairer sky. 
Ere Humankind shall die ! 

Oh, what a world to me. 

Low, sad Despair? 
Gloom and despondency. 
Alone my share ! 
Hope as the mirage of my desert, Faith, 

And Charity a dream unrealized ! 
Truth as the semblance of the Fact which saith': 
" Death desecrates the thing first highly prized ! " 
And Misery 

Remains to see 
What griefs and pains allotted me ? 
In vain I seek Benevolence ! 

And Pity knows not what to do ; 
AndVirtue finds some new defence 
For every pit Vice falls into ! 
Oh, what a world to me ! 
Come then, thou cheerless Lie ! 

1 scorn from thee to fly ! 
Come then thou bitter sky ! — 
Come frost me that I die ! 



228 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Is Providence so blind, 

Or Mercy rare, 
That Ills are unconfined 
To flay and tear 
The lacerated heart, full of the pain 

Neglect has sore afiiicted long before ? 
Who is it mocks when Want's appeals are vain ? 
Who still can smile and see poor Grief and know 
The sweets of life, 

And worldly strife 
Are ill divided in this life ? 
That Plenty frowns on Misery, 

And holds the purse that could relieve ; 
That Sorrow finds no Charity 
> That can or will its ills believe ? 

Is Providence so blind? 
Come whisper now who knows. 
Ere hopeful eye we close 
To see but Gloom alone, 
In proof of all that 's known ? — 



With wailing sob the words sink to a moan ; 
And sad Despair is sunk too deep for more ! 
Her griefs so manifold, fill utterance 
Too full for simple speech, and like a cove, 
Or mountain dale whose cliffs reverberate, 
So multifarious the cries here come 
Confusion turns the head, while tongue is dumb ! 

More melancholic show the faces now : 
And with these gloomy thoughts the lights burn low. 
As though Despair had snuff''d them with her song, — 
To be reflamed in Anger's fiercer blaze. 
So lurid in the depths of wretchedness ! 
Appalling as the darkness grows within, 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 229 

Without, some likeness spreads o'er Nature's face ; 
For those dark clouds we saw within the west, 
Have broken bivouac and overcast 
The zenith with their frown ; the moon's pale beam 
Is hid behind the mask of Anger there, 
Like star of Hope beneath, within this throng ! 
The sighs of rising winds in whispers speak 
Of fury soon to come ; and lightnings flash, 
Though in the distance yet, whose thunder words 
Can scarce be heard, but harbingering harm ! 
'Tis now that unity is doubly felt 
'Twixt Nature and her child ; and frowning dark. 
And breathing hate, in likeness here they meet : 
Both but a while ago so meek and fair ; 
Both waiting but a blast to set them oflF! 

Deserted would the hall have been ere this — 
For all have seen the end they would avoid — 
But that a fascination strange laid hold 
Of them and forced them to behold this scene ! 
Still, Peace is gone, and Fear has crept without. 
And Cheer would leave but that his fellow, Hope, 
Will yet remain to see what can be done 
To break the force of this fierce rising storm. ' 
All are full roused to Eage an'd Danger now. 
Nor even Apathy can longer sleep 
Bedrowsed with Bacchic blood; awake the mind 
And will of Slumber, too, in times like this ! 
Aroused they stand and gaze as poised in war, 
Fearful of self and fearful of him near, — 
Each reading in his thoughts, reproof and doubt. 
And confirmation of some other's words ; 
So weighing Good and Bad, the False and True, 
In scales of passion's mould, which Prejudice 
Has balanced to his cause, unjust or just! 
Some charges brought they scorn, while others, fear, 



230 THOUGHT THROBS. 

And some they know are true ; — but who would speak 
That which would self-condemn ? Hate here must bear 
The brunt of all such charges made, and shield 
The heart as 'neath a tough cuirass of steel! 
And at this point bold Mockery cries out : — 



MOCKERY. 

Pshaw ! I am tired of Cant ! 
And all the wailings of the dolts 
That whinny, neigh, like frightened colts 
Unbridled in their rage, because, forsooth, 
A curb is given unto hasty youth ! 

O'er this ye whine and j^ant ! 
Your neighbors have, — heighho ! 
More privileges I know ! 
But then, — ha ! ha ! 
What can ye do now, pray ? 
Ye must learn to say, " nay," 
To passions and to wish ! — 
Alas ! ye say but " tush ! " 

This is a motley crowd ! 
But more at odds their strange, wild cries ; 
Their petty bickerings and sighs, 
Which clamor, clang and ring together. 
Like warning bells in foggy weather, — 
Bass, dull and sharp and loud ! 
Some grievance marks, perchance. 
The face of each ! — Instance 

The frown, — ha ! ha ! 
That hangs on whose brow, pray ? 
On every visage here, I say ! — 
Oh, for a mirror bright. 
To catch this passing sight ! 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 231 

Come now ! Why linger here ? 
Disperse or give the lie direct ! 
You each the other 'd more respect! 
Come Lie, confront the Truth! and Faith, you Doubt; 
And Anger soon will raise his battle shout ! 
Let him who 's wrong now fear ! 
Ye all are right, I trow ! 
Think self so anyhow ! 
For else, — ho ! ho ! 
Ye will but simply show 
What fools move here below ! 
Each one supposing he 
Holds all in trust to be ! 

Come ! what is sum of all 
These many Passions here have said ? 
That self is folly rank, instead 
Of Wisdom's meanest part or attribute. 
That stands the mark betwixt the Man and Brute ! 
So Beasts ye are withall ! 
At least all actions speak 
In language strong or weak, 

Of good, — heighho ! 
Of which they little know ! — 
And even that ignore ! 
To such a pass ye 've come, 
That vanity 's your sum ! 

So Providence is kind, 
What care ye for this Virtue's worth ? 
Or fear ye at some Folly's birth ? 
For Want and Plenty bloom upon the earth, 
And Peace and Pain are fellows from their birth ! — 
But reconcile the kind ! 



232 THOUGHT THROBS. 

At war they each with each ; 
And thus the dang'rous breach 

Yawns here, withal, 
The timid to appall, 
And Rashness to recall ! 
And yet we argue that, 
This is divine fiat ! 

Pshaw ! I am tired of Cant ! 
No peace the soul finds when in pain ; 
And Wealth to Poverty is vain ; 
Penurious man gives alms to Wretchedness 
When Greed is full to surfeit, — I would guess !- 
And such, itself, is cant ! 
If this be mockery. 
What more have ye to say ? 

If not, behold 
What I have truly told! 
Aroused are Passions bold, 
That rnove with some intent ! — 
Their rage is now unpent ! 



Descent is now more sure and hell-ward bent; 
The hope of upward tendency more blank ! 
Stung by these words, the throng begins to sway 
This way and that ; dark, threatening and wild ; 
Upon the verge of flame, inflammable, — 
And this the needed spark to full ignite ! 

Take now a look to contrast with your first : 
That fellowship we saw, nowhere exists, 
Save with those on some purpose vile intent. 
Love heads a clan, but shows himself debased ; 
Desire is now beneath the wish of Lust, 
And Beauty has the frightened look of Care ! 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 233 

Envy is envied not, and Pride, Esteem, 

Are marks of Ridicule and tongue of Spleen ; 

Their count' nances are dark, their aspect such 

As Vanity would scorn and Fame deride ! 

Hypocrisy is unmasked to the gaze 

Of Pity and the rest, who feel no pang 

At such dejection now, when Mockery 

And Slander hold the bent of tongue and will. 

To wag and use them as best they defame ! 

What chance has Hope, or Cheer, or Faith, or Love, 

When Cavil, with the stare of Insolence, 

And frown of Hate, and tongue of Malice, sharp 

In its reproof, so hems them front and aft? 

Misanthropy is hero of the hour. 
And with Debauchery, stands at the helm 
Of Manhood's Craft, and rudders through the deep 
Of Passions full aroused and fiercely bent 
To wreck all good, or wreck themselves in seas 
Of Hopelessness ! — dash on the crags of Hate 
That lie concealed beneath this tide of Hell ! 

This moment now so dark to Reason's light. 
Propitious of Life's ills alone and grief, ■ . 
Filled with the mockers of all pleasure here. 
Or that short ease too briefly spent to know 
Its measure full or its contentment rare, — 
Awakens all the brooding Thoughts to woe 
And loud lament; despairing, sinking low: 
The brightest of the fellows gathered here, 
Now swallowed in the quagmire of some doubt ! 
What qualms arise among the gentler ones. 
Who here are caged, and here bereft of care ; 
Exposed to all the fury of the throng 
That sets no limit to its vile intent? 
The wailing of the winds without that sweep 



234 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Along the terraces to moan again 
In echo back from nooks and crannies there, 
Finds consonance within with stifled screams: 
For screams there must be in tlie souls of those 
Here weak, but held for what may come to pass! 

Who now uprises, dark as Erebus, 
Save for his flashing eyes whose lurid glare, 
Like beacons, seem to guide the stormy thoughts 
That swell upon the billows of their scorn? 
'T is Madness, sure ! and Frenzy feels restraint 
Unbearable, and Rage, for lack of speech. 
Is still, though swelt'ring in his dumb-voiced wrath! 
But ere some speech is come to vent the rest. 
Thus Madness opens flood-gates of the Storm: — 

MADNESS. 

Foole have we been to stand and listen to our own abuse 
While these, our worthy fellows, have in us found some excuse 
In their own folly's plea, or yet to fashion well the lie 
Of all our claims to virtue, worth, or sympathetic eye ! 

They loud lament the world's low stage, 
■ But turn upon us in their rage. 

To tell us flatly we have been 

The cause of all this worldly sin ! 

That they themselves, have garments clean! — 

They never thought or acted mean ! 

They never wronged by deed or word, 

And yet their charges — how absurd ! 

A Paradise the world were, sure, 

If filled with mortals half so pure ! 

But as for me, I must confess 

I like not Sham's beseeming dress ; 

And grant me hell instead of bliss 

Amidst such decencv as this ! 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 235 

I scorn their ways ; I them defy ! 

I vow their every word a lie ! 

They've slandered me; they've slandered you! — 

Now what is best for us to do ? 

Spurn them as we must spurn their speech ? 

Strike deep, and deem it not a breach 

Of friendship, nor the slightest blame 

To strangle tongues that would defame 

Our social standing, or our name ? 

We'll see where falls the blackest shame! 

Come, Frenzy ! To your work ! And Eage ; 
This is the hour to engage 

Him who has done you wrong ! 
Eedress is now within your way — 
You may not find another day — 

Grip some one in this throng ! 
Misanthropy, now you and I 
Will seize all those who can not fly 
From our stern wrath, — to satisfy 

The hate we bear the race ! 
To none but Hate we'll yield the palm 
To do more mischief or more harm — 

And we will keep him pace ! 
Strike down and slay, and heap them here ! 
We'll teach them whom they ought to fear, 

And what they may resent ! 
He who begun will soonest fall, 
Without one chance to then recall 

What speech has given vent! 



As battle cry to armies full of hate, 
These words here fall, and at the signal, they. 
Who deem themselves abused, rush on their foes ; 
So savage for revenge they see not him 



236 THOUGHT THROBS. 

They seize as one distinguished from the rest 
Whom they oppose, but eyes, with hatred's blaze, 
See enemies of all, and grinding teeth 
Mark grim determination now to wreck 
Who comes in way ! Ne'er fiercer war was waged 
In Bedlam's walls where Lunacy supreme, 
Eeigned o'er benighted souls lost in the depths 
Of human woe ! 

'Tis eye of Truth that sees 
Frenzy and Jest locked in each other's arms, 
And Love and Hate matched in contending strife : 
Pride struggling with Contempt, and Honor low. 
Beneath the feet of Shame ! So Gallantry 
Is met here with Offence, and Eiot finds 
In Dalliance a fellow to his need, — 
In Fury yet a mate ! And boastful Faith 
Is slunk away at this momentous time, 
To leave Contention wild in its despair ! 
Is Prudence fled? Knows Violence no restraint? 
But free the hands of all to wreck and tear 
The Soul, as Actaeon of old was torn 
By succors of his care, bred so and reared ? 
Aye, more than fifty hounds this Conscience wring, 
And tear the lacerated heart in shreds ! 
Add to the sting of Hell ten thousand woes, 
You have in part the measure of this hive 
That holds the Passions wrangling here to-night ! 

Faith flees from Scorn; and Doubt and Hope contend 
With chances most unequal in the fray, 
Since Rage and Spite Assumption have kept down ; 
And all the fallacy begot of Trust. 
Profanity turns loose the words of Hate, 
Which ring and echo back from many walls 
In darker corridors, oath meeting curse 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 237 

In all the clamor of deep sounding wrath! 

And fierce Brutality marks well the sound, 

With all his hellish deeds too dark to name! 

Patience and Peace, and all that could, have flown, 

Ere avenues to flight were barricad'd ; 

And what remains, are demons fierce in will ; 

With one sole wish, — to wreck or to be wrecked ! 

O'erturned the boards that groaned beneath the feast ; 
And clash the rousing uproar in their fall ; 
The clatter of the plate as on the floor 
They roll and brealv, adds to the mighty din, 
Which, with the warring Passions, seems a hell ! 
The stools that sat there round are upset, too, 
And tangle now the feet of this wild throng, 
For some to fall on, others to be dealt 
A deadly blow from making it a tool 
To fill Wrath's end, or Eage's blinded bent ! 

Within, while sounds and sights like these are met. 
Without, the roaring Storm bursts on the night; 
Its lightnings cleave the sky, and thunders shake 
The solid earth beneath, as pendent toy 
To be so shaken by its wish or will ; 
Or toss'd by sweeping winds beyond control ! 
Confusion falls in deepest gloom around. 
More dark than death, and Hell is given sway ; 
And what was good, is swept within its pits ; — 
Lost irredeemably whilst Hate is host, 
And ne'er again to rise immaculate ! 
Destruction, loathed Destruction rules the heart, 
And ruin is the aim of every part 
Of this mad throng that yet remains to war, 
Unconquerable in their angry mood ! 



238 THOUGHT THROBS. - 

The voice of Wisdom now can not be heard, 
No matter what his speecli, for dumb the ears 
To any sound save Wrath's : — alone he stands, 
Grave as Harpocrates, with finger placed 
Upon his lips ; restraining if he may, 
The bold outbursts of Clamor and of Scold \ 
But useless as the rest his attitude : — 
They even him attack ; and his defence, 
In teeth of Force, is likeness of their kind ! — 
And so they all are mingled in the fight ! 

The end must come ere long, for Violence low 
Has laid opposing Strength, and Fury turns 
On self with scorpion sting ! Deep-mouthed Eemorse 
Will soon be left alone, and Rage appeased 
By that destruction which himself has wrought ! 
For heaped in desolation are the things 
The early Night so prized ; and 'mid the ruin 
Are those who came on pleasure yester-eve — 
Now groaning in their prostrate helplessness. 
Beneath the wreck of Order and of Cheer ! 
But ere Exhaustion has here silenced all, 
Or truce is called for momentary breath, 
Some spirits from the Storm without glide in, 
And taunting in their evil speech, say this : 

STORM SPIRITS. 

Spirits of Darkness ; 
Heralds of Storm ; 

Through the night groping, 
Move we along : 
Mission of madness ; 
Tempters of harm ; 
Nevermore hoping, — 
This is our song : 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 239 

We rack, we ^yreck, we sally; 
We sally, wreck and rack. 
With Scorn and Hate we rally, 
And Peace and Hope we sack ! 
In duty hieing, 
Wherever spying 
Turmoil or trouble, contention or strife ; 
Victorious ever 
Friendship to sever: — |, 
We are the fell Spirits of every man's life ! 

Come we in fury ; 
Come we in flash ! 
Stealthily moving ; — 
Dense is our throng ! 
Bear ye an injury? 
Mark ye our Crash ! 

Threats are we proving : — 
Eight we no wrong ! 
We sting, we mock, we slander ; 
We slander, mock, and sting! 
To Violence we pander. 
And Darkness is our king 1 
Ye now defying, 
Soon will be crying, 
For Frenzy heaps fury on those that defy ; 
And conquer he will — 
Your bosoms he'll fill 
With rancor so foul that the Spirit will die ! 

Children of Meekness ! 
Offspring of Peace ! 
Fury is driving 
Wills to do wrong ! 
Groping in blindness. 
Ills will increase ; 
Hopelessly striving — 
Hands are not strong ! 



240 THOUGHT THROBS. 

In vain ye strive and rally : 
Ye rally, strive in vain ! 
'T is Madness now can sally 

And keep his force in train ! 
Time swift is flying ; 
Hope is now dying ; 
Contention is victor and Eiot is lord ! 
Despondency falls, 
And hopelessly calls 
On Sentiments past, that now ill accord ! 



These Spirits much the fury spent revives, 
And storms within vie with the storm without, 
With thunder yet of words and flash of deeds, 
Till naught is left for Frenzy to oppose ! 
So desolation everywhere is seen, 
And all that was in order is in waste, 
The fragments scattered in confusion wild ! 
And those, the guests, that gathered in the eve, 
So gay and peaceful then, are groaning now 
In bitter anguish o'er their plight, or pass ; 
Or else they're fled with Peace, beyond Harm's reach, — 
Eemaining but as these, in death and woe ! 

There, Grief we can espy, and pale Kegret ; 
Together bending low, each to console 
The other's drooping spirit which is stung 
Near verge of death ! Beyond them sits Eeproach 
With loud Complaint, both in the grasp of Care, 
Who stifles but to add to their wild woe ! 
And Agony lies writhing on the floor, 
Close to the feet of Grief, her features drawn 
In lines of pain, — more ghastly than the seams 
Once on Prometheus' face, — her gasping breath 
Tells of grim Death's approach — which, lagging, comes ! 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 241 

Despair has had a surfeit of despair; 
And Fortitude is sunk beneath his weight, 
Which, like an incubus, o'erhangs and falls 
As doom of Fate to crush out cringing Life ! 

Misanthropy has had his fitful hour; 
And this is what repays : — all utter ruin ! 
More dreadful than the mind anticipates 
When most disconsolate with thoughts of woe ! 
Exhaustion comes too late to fierce Impulse, 
To stay the hand of Ruin, which here has wrought 
Its self-destruction in this stroke of Hate ! 
Black Horror sits upon the brow of Scorn, — 
For he most sanguine least expected this! 
And Terror wild is speechless in his fear, 
While Fear, himself, is woe unspeakable ! 

Who would have thought so dark an end had come 
To Pleasure's feast, or Passion's wrapt delight? 
Who would have thought that glare of Love should light 
The way of Wretchedness and Gloom like this ? 
Who would have thought that Revelry could turn, 
And bring itself to Hell in such a plight? 
Yet Error finds this end to all his ways; 
And Confidence is lost when Folly proves 
The faithlessness that ransoms base delights ! 

The storm subsides without; and lack of strength 
Wanes, struggles, too, within : the dying wails. 
Alone, remaining now to sink or cheer 
The Spirits left: when from the proning mass 
Swept low in fray, uprises one aghast : 
Bebattered and betattered, smeared with gore ; 
Pale as to face, but bloodshot yet of eye, — 
He casts that wilder orb on things around ! 
17 



242 THOUGHT THROBS. 

It is Abandon whom we now behold ; 

And he would speak, and we will hear his say : 



ABANDON. 

Go ! scornful world ! I care not ! Go ! 
Go tell thy tale and vent thy spleen on me ! 
What can it hurt ? Who cares? 'Tislalone 

Who feel the sting, whilst thou can pour 

Thy phials of Wrath upon my head, 

And say, " What thing deserves he more. 
Whom Pity thinks 'twere better he were dead?" 
I say to thee. Begone ! and let me be ! — 
I wish to be alone ! 

Go ; I entreat ! Bethink me dead, 
Or lost, or what thou wilt ! It matters not ! 
I'm truly dead to thee and all thy joys ! 

The shades of damning Sins are sped 

Between me and my hope's fair dawn, 

And 1 am lost ! aye, worse than dead ! 
For Death doth hint at something yet beyond. 
Where comfort hides ; — but here, this Life holds naught 
For me save vile decoys ! 

So leave me ! I command it thee ! 
Thou hast no further claim upon my will : 
My youth is passed ; the day for my reform 

Has wasted into night ! I see 

No harbinger of light to mark 

A rising dawn ! — all 's gloom to me ! 
My heart is sunk too deep in sin to start 
At shadows which would skulk around me still, 
To stir up vain alarm ! 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. '243 

A time there mayhap was — but no ! 
I will not say it now! nor let profane 
That cherished thought these fou) words of mine ! 

Suffice it that it was! — now go ! 

And let me live alone in dreams 

Of that sweet time I '11 know no more! — 
The hour is growing late ! — it seems — it seems ! — 
Oh, Hell ! Dies Faith so hard ?— I fain— I fain !— 
But let it live and pine! 

Stay! — Hush ! — Methinks I see a light ! — 
It is a passing ray of what I was 
Ere I had fallen in my present ways ! 

I see myself — I can not quite 

Kesolve the other being there ! — 

It hovers by my side ! — the sight — 
But, lo ! I understand it now : To share 
Its gloomy fate, it beckons me ! — because ? — 
Who cares? — Thus Hate repays! 

Go ! Go! I will not have you here ! 
Withdraw yourselves within that carapace 
That now entombs your vaunted sympathy 

And sets at liberty that leer ! 

Ye shall not mock me more ! — Though wrong 

I 've done, no wicked, scornful sneer 
Can drive me now into your saintly throng ; 
Nor force me 'long the godly path ye trace ! — 
You, I can yet defy ! 

Who can foretell the fate of youth? 
The brightest dawn may be o'ercast with clouds. 
Ere loftiest peaks of Life the sun has kissed ; 

The heavens shake, — shocked by that Truth 

Flashed with the thunder of the storm 

That dumbfounds Wisdom's cant ! — Insooth, 
To struggling man there comes this foul alarm, 
When he has judgment set: To grave-yard shrouds 
All come, and none are missed ! 



244 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Yea, " Solitude ! " where is thy charm ? 
Within thy quiet shades let me but hide, 
And this mad world may wrangle on and tell 
My faults to all ! What further harm 
Would come to me, could I now lie 
My head at rest and let thy calm 
Steal o'er my wearied life ? — Repose ? — say, die !- 
My soul go out upon thy flowing tide! — 
In truth, I deem it well ! — 



The Storm has swept apace ; the night is done ; 
And in the East 'tween flying clouds, we catch 
A gleam of dappled gray, announcing dawn. 
A dawn to Day, and Man, whose passions slunk 
Away within the darkness of the Night : — 
Set then with its pale Moon, amidst the Storm 
That shook the firmest citadel of Hope, 
And left it garrisoned by Faith alone ! 
The Hall that shone so bright that yester-eve. 
Now wears the calm of death, and in the gray 
Of early morn, seems shrouded in its pall ! 
The Hurricane without, marked lesser waste 
Than that which wrecked within, and ruin, ruin. 
Enfeebles tongue to tell of all one sees ! 
But from the wreckage of these Passions' blight, 
Awakened Truth comes with the breaking light ;- 
Comes from retreat where he had seen the strife 
That laid the angry Passions low in death ! 
Comes now to see what yet remains of Life 
Of worth, beneath the rubbish of its hopes ! 
As a full sense of what is seen, is felt, 
As words are found this sense to full express, 
He gives them speech to thus soliloquize: — 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 245 



TRUTH. 

And this is now the end of yesternight! 

When Youth and Beauty met with Pleasure here, 
To pass the hour with Mirth and gay Delight; 

To meet with Friendship, Love and welcome Cheer ! 

Who would have thought the end had been so drear ! 
Who could foresee such misery as this? 

Who then had dreamed his smile were now a sneer, 
To mock his peaceful laughter and his bliss, — 
To scorn all fellowship expressed? — Not I, ywis! 

My senses reel o'er what has come to pass ! 

My eyes are dim o'er what I now behold ! 
Is this the throng so gay? — this frightful mass 

Of bodies strewn and stampt in ghastly mould ? 

Yea, hearts that beat in warmth, to touch is cold ! 
The eye that flashed with love, is set and glazed, 

That recked not of some fear — too fiercely bold ; 
Too quick the spark of Anger, and it blazed 
To burn itself as well ! — So is the world amazed ! 

And this is Life : In Childhood all is bright ; 

Existence is before it and the hope 
Of future greatness, strength and worldly might 

To overcome all hardships, and to cope 

With things athwart its pathway's rising slope : 
The mid-day comes to find it struggling on, 

No nearer to its goal ; with narrowed scope ! — 
The evening finds it languid grown and wan ; 
The burden of it all now held as Death's sure pawn ! 

And this is Youth : The season of no care ! 

Or if a care, a thing of lightness felt 
But momentarily, and not a care ! 

A period wherein has ever dwelt 



246 THO UGHT THR OBS. 

The deepest charm mankind has ever felt: 
The real itself a dream, the dream more rare 

Than answered prayer to man who lowly knelt 
In suppliance for that he hoped to share ; 
But when by grace obtained, he found he did not care ! 

And this is Man : The crowning point of Life ; 

Heaped np of many ills, but pleasures few ; 
The sum of Youth's endeavors and the strife ! 

For what in measure justly pays so few! 

If scion of brag Manhood only knew 
Its fairest promises but hid the blight 

That cankered at its core, it would eschew 
Life's acme in this world: — from whose proud height, 
The fore and after struggles range within the sight ! 

And this is Age : A crook of guilty Time 

On which Deceit has left the print of cares, 
And Death has set the seal of worldly crime, 

Too soon repay the crop of Youth with tares ! 

In view of that approaching. Life despairs, 
Or turns in dotage to its youth again, 

To try recall the days wherein no cares 
Beset as now : — those happy hours when 
No grief bestirred the soul ! — But comes it not again! 

And this is Love : First impulse of the Youth : 

'T is born a glare to light the merry heart; 
'T is born Affection's wanton, but in truth, 

It is the guerdon if Life's aim and part ! 

It is the unction for her wound and smart : 
But Time and Age, both, serve to snuff its flame! 

And Doubt comes straggling in, alas! to start 
Suspicion with her taunts ; who brings to shame 
The object of his deep affection and his name ! 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 24T 

It is the concentration of the souls 

Of two ephem'ral things that can not last! 
In self, its vital principle controls 

Its wisdom's range and renders judgment fast! 

Held in the light that Science here would cast, 
It is the Egoism of the hour, 

Whose dual-self cares naught for future, — past, — 
But lives alone the present; all its power 
Devoted to itself and part; — poor with'ring glower I 

And Beauty is : Conformance to the mould 

Of symmetry ; type of the Ideal 
Impressed, conceived: — and which the senses hold 

The end and aim of Nature's labors all ! 

Indeed, it is that which in truth we call 
The sum of evolutions now select ; 

And Vanity has naught to do at all, 
With this selected sum : — though you expect 
To find its province here: nor is there marked neglect! 

Or it is impulse for some worshiped thing. 

That urges man to labor for its goal ; 
The lever of his efforts, or the wing 

That bears aloft the genius of his soul ! 

To move the heart to action, or control ■ 
The rapture that inspires and moulds the mind. 

Is Beauty's truest duty, manifold 
In all its varying ends in self combined ; — 
Which man has reasoned out as its, and so defined ! 

And Envy feels this true : That honest praise 

Is rightly measured when it is bestowed 
On him in virtue high, although it raise 

In arrogance the fool ; as that the toad — 

The Fable tells — to self-inflation owed! 
And Envy, too, alike, must know that all 

In slander said, to self is duly owed, 
Which feels the prod of merit to recall 
The many chances past — to Honor lost — and all I 



248 THOUGHT THROBS. 

And Slander knows a Lie is boomerang 

Of Spite and Spleen that oft on self returns ! 
And so should e'er beware himself to hang ; 

Nor gibbet any thing for which he yearns ! 

'Tis unrequited passion deeply burns; 
And proof of sorest lack, is biting Spleen ; 

And keenest dart we feel is that returns 
To sink into the bosom once so mean 
As thence to hurl its poison with the tongue of fiend I 

And Honor is : The badge of Duty done ! 

The consciousness of battling for the right ; 
Reward which Truth and Perseverance won 

From Slander, Malice, Hate, in fiercest fight ! 

It is emblazoned armor of the Right ! 
It stands in menace to the guilty Lie ; 

In shadows, like the Truth, it flashes light, 
And base Ingratitude it doth espy, 
To torture him with that he can not half deny ! 

And this is Pride : Exalted Vanity, 

That feels for self what others feel for that ; 
And marvels that the world can not so see, 

And fall to his demands, or nod, or pat! 

Ukase it is of Wisdom and fiat 
That would command attention from the world ! 

But since no one regards such will or stat. 
He grows morose, to soon become a churl, 
And scorns himself, mankind, and all the world ! 

And this is Fame : Yesterday all unknown : 

To-day in high esteem ; to-morrow, low, 
And memory forgot, which now would own 

Such merit just, — avowed by all as so ! 

So brief the word of Fame breathed here below ! 
Yet man will ever strive for such a bliss. 

And struggle fiercely that the world may know 
That he once sufTered all its ills, I wis! — 
For deem it otherwise, who can account for this? 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 249 

And this is Bliss: The thing unrealized, 

But in anticipation still to live! 
That which we would were true, were better prized 

If Fate a little knowledge would but give, 

That surfeit might not spring in us to live ! 
Imagination is its sole delight ; 

And what it would, he makes believe to give ; — 
And thus it comes, forsooth, to wide-eyed Sight ! 
What more could be the wish when here is all delight? 

And this is Sham : The likeness of some Truth 

A Fault has stolen to deceive the eye 
And lead astray the eagerness of Youth ; 

Where proneness ever was to fashioned Lie! 

In favor once it is, it can defy 
The Truth from which it stole its livery! 

For Judgment is so slack it can espy 
No fraud when Boast can counsel well, you see! — 
Deceit is partner yet with what it ought to be! 

And this is Scorn : Vile mimic of some Hate 

That would reflect abuse upon the fair ; 
That struts about, or would, in regal state, 

Condemning those with whom he can't compare ! 

Such arrogance one can hot deem as rare. 
For every bristling sprig the world has known, - 

Has shown himself an ass who would so stare, 
As to discover to the world his own 
Envy and lack of all that merit here has borne ! 

And this is Hate: Quintessence of some Spite 

That broods o'er ills imagined as intent; 
That finds within the gloom alone, delight. 

Till all the hours for pleasure have been spent! 

Then, what avail the rest the good it meant ? 
Itself is tainted with the error fought, 

And this remains to all : its foul intent ! 
And on itself the venom which it sought 
To fix on others, turns! — ^just as in due it ought! 



250 THOUGHT THROBS. 

And Malice is : The brooding of that Hate 

Nursed in the heart of Sin to hatch an ill 
To match with every good ; itself to mate 

With all the baseness of a vicious will ! 

It doth the pulse of good intention still ; 
It fires the heart with things imagined so ; 

A stormy mood it fosters and 't will fill 
The mind with all the bitterness of woe, 
That spite shall never die, but ever rankling grow ! 

And this is Sin : Abandonment to Lust, 

And all desires the passions rouse within 
To stir the soul to guilt and mock of trust ; 

Revile the better man that might have been : 

By all that's base this evil seeks to win, 
And sink the good beyond the depths of Hope, 

Where black Despair receives with hellish grin ! 
And what is found, too late the eyes can ope 
To save the soul that glides along the downward slope ! 

And this is Grief : The shadow of the joy 

That was for lack of judgment rashly spent ; 
If not the sterner ills that all annoy ! 

Companion to the pain. we would lament; 

Born with the flesh and by it yet uppent ! 
'T is real if but a shadow, and its sting 

Can start and rankle wildly all content ; 
And even yet to Sorrow can it bring 
Our fondest hopes ; and from the heart-chords cries can wring ! 

Remorse is this: The starting pang for that 

Our Duty overlooked, or deemed neglect 
The better pay for such a stern fiat ; 

Or else a wrong we once held in respect 

That led us fitter ways to scorn, reject ! 
It is the tongue that speaks its own abuse, 

That cries in tones of anguish most abject, 
O'er what in justice finds no fit excuse 
For fall and Conscience's sting, or Youth's low, sad abuse ! 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 251 

And Pity is : Deep sympathy for grief 

That others feel, through fellowship so felt ! 
Desire to aid, or bring some kind relief 

To mortal suffering where Pain has dwelt; 

Or where sore Misery is lowly knelt ! 
She is the goddess that bedeAvs our eyes ; 

The Iris that the fount of tears can melt 
la friendship, answering faintest human sighs 
That well from panting bosoms, penting wilder cries ! 

And Friendship is : More than they all beside ! 

For Love has selfish ends, and Faith an aim, 
And Rank and Honor breed a haughty pride ! 

Hope holds no higher goal, nor Bliss can claim 

A brighter heaven than in Friendship's name ! 
The subtlest charm uniting human hearts; 

Free from wild Jealousy and tongue of Shame, — 
It lives the peace and charity of thoughts. 
And harmonizes all our diff'rences and parts! 

Born in the Altruism of the past, 

It stands the talisman of future good ! 
Of Fellowship and social order, fast 

It binds all hearts together, as it should ! 

It binds them as no other passion could ! 
On it Society must e'er depend 

For light to guide it from the gloom where stood 
It once with Hate — bewild'ring now to blend 
The light of Reason with the night that ills portend ! 

And this is Rest : The absence of all toil : 
The quiet that steals o'er the soul at peace ! 

The stay of wiry actions that recoil 

Upon the thing that moved them : 't is release 
From all that waste, or can at all increase ! 

A silence, too, as well, and hush of night, 
Where Slumber, all alone, is left in peace ; 

Disturbed by not a dream in which there might 
Some Shadow rise to set distraught the mind with fright! 



252 THOUGHT THROBS. 

And this is Faith : A blind adherence to 

That which we wish or hope to be the right ; 

A will to make our Fancy real and true : — 
To hold Imagination as the light 
Of Truth, the Eye that o'erspans the Night, 

To brighter Realms beyond, where sit the Good 
In peace around the throne of Love and Light !— 

Naught ent'ring there but what in fitness should ! — 
Where sweet Sincerity would hover if she could ! 

And this is Doubt: To question still his fears, 
Uncertain of the clearest thing he knows ; 

Low sunk in grief, beholding Sorrrow's tears 
As marks of ill-distrust, — not that it shows 
The fount of Sympathy thus overflows ! 

In search of Truth, disdains he every joy! 
The errors of the past he still deplores : — 

His hope is but to find some new decoy 
In which the mind may fall, ere thought it can employ! 

And this is Hope : Aurora of the Night 

That hangs in gloom o'er us ! a star of cheer 
That promises a Day, resplendent, bright ; 

Wherein the joys dreamed of will be clear. 

And merit find reward for labors here ! 
It is the solace blown within the Soul, 

Which, like the rose, can smile on thorns so near! 
Above them all it sways and wields control 
O'er disaffections stern and Doubt's deep, cank'ring mould I 

And this is Truth : Not what so seems, but is ! 

The Fact stript of its garniture and guise ! 
The very thing itself, and all it is ! 

No sham to Honesty, but such a prize 

As would repay the world for all its sighs I 
A policy of Right that would insure. 

And open wide the eyes of glad Surprise ! 
The greatest good to all, to render pure 
The lives of those who heed, nor let some lie allure ! 



PASSION'S PANDEMONIUM. 253 

And this is Death : Cessation of this Life, 
That moves and animates the Being now : 

The rest of Motion and the still of Strife ! — 
Nor more than this we know, nor further, how 
The Soul shall fare ; — this truth we must allow ! 

If happy Realms await us all, it seems 

'Tis Wisdom that should know, and this, I trow. 

It does not: but in wild or fitful dreams, 
Faith would espy it out as habiting those beams ! 



So Conscience is the thousand-tongued woes, 

That wake the sorrowing Soul to hapless grief ! 
That mock all peaceful ease, or wrapt repose ; 

That tell us plainly Pleasure's ends are brief ! 

And with the tongue of Candor, heart of thief, 
It gives no rest to body or to mind, 

But pricks with fear, and tortues with belief. 
That all is manifest which was consigned 
Within the bosom dark, that light could never find ! 



THE SHADOW-BRIDE. 



I. 

To him the world was full of snares : 
He had supped full the joys of humankind ; 
Had tasted all the sweets of lusty youth ; 

Had fared as idle Riches fares 

When Prudence lays no staying hand 

Upon the will ; when Nature bears 
Her load with patience, waiting the command 
Of Age, which surely comes, though stumbling blind, 
And laggard to the Youth ! 

II. 

The world was full of snares because 
Its vanities would hide from such poor eyes 
The folly of its ways ; its fraud, deceit ; 

The lie of Fashion, Friendship's laws; 

The flattery that filled the head. 

The wiles that so concealed the flaws 
Of social life, — which honor long has fled. 
Betrayed by man's dissembling and his lies. 
And all that faith can cheat ! 

III. 

Belike man most prefers to dwell 
In sensual revelry, where love and life 
Are steeped in that which fires and moves the soul 

In sweet ecstatic dream, — a spell 

Intoxicating to the sense of all 

That wisdom would provoke to tell 
The truth : where each would lead, and what befall 
The will, and raise about it envious strife. 
Should Passions gain control. 



THE SHADOW-BRIDE. 255 

IV. 
Be it as vain desire may wish ; 
Satiety will come and fill the man 
With nausea for things he once so prized, — 
And move him to another wish : 
That feasts and loves and maidens' sighs, 
And arts that hell-ward souls can push, 
And Vanity deluding thus the wise, * 
Were done when opened are his eyes to scan 
The truth as realized. 

V. 

Some fortune had so opened his : 
He saw the falsity of all ; the mask 
Of fem'nine grace, the cheat of form and face, 

The rouge of glowing life as 'tis: 

The lie of tongue, the false caress 

Of lips, the frailty of bliss, — 
The beggary of charms Truth must confess 
As sum of Social life when Fashion's task 
So counterfeits the race ! 

VI. 

He sighed at first for what was lost, 
And felt some grief in knowing all a lie ; 
The things that had amused him all a whim 

That could not please him more; — the cost 

Of understanding what can please ! 

Then scorn arose for all he 'd lost, 
And all he had enjoyed once, to tease 
His better judgment thus, and thence deny 
A social joy to him. 

VII. 

The glitter and the glare of state. 
The cant of empty heads, the luring eyes. 
The smiles of Coquetry, the wanton flush 

Of Sensuality elate, 



256 THOUGHT THROBS. 

The scowl of Envy, too, who sees 
In Love and Beauty much to hate, — 
So filled his heart with Mockery's decrees, 
And changed his happy laughter into cries 
No purring Hope could hush ! 

vm. 

'Twas pity first, and then came scorn ; 
Contempt soon followed in the train of thought, 
And grand Society beheld the sneer 

Of him once fondled ; — but alarm 

Stirred not the multitude's prone heart! 

Its ways were set, and naught could warn 
It from dissembling acts and baser art : 
Nor mend the breach Hypocrisy had wrought 
In ties once held as dear ! 

IX. 

Who wished to join might gain an end; 
Might all the pleasures of this world embrace, 
And hold its fairest gifts as folly's pawn, — 

To use, abuse as wishes trend ! 

Might thus the goal of life achieve, 

And hush the thoughts that loud contend : — 
Yea, might! could Folly's judgment so deceive: 
But Wisdom's eye no lasting peace can trace 
In loves that only fawn ! 

X. 

He would not stay to witness shame ! 

As moth that flutters 'bout the singeing light 

In hope of what is vain, but fearing gloom 
Without whose evils none can name. 
So stood the man with falt'ring will, 
'Twixt doubt and consciousness of blame : 

The liberated bird is captive still ; 

Returns into his cage, — afraid he might 
So stumble on his doom ! 



THE SHADOW-BRIDE. 257 

XI. 

His will then conquered and he left. 
In twain old ties of friendship all were snapt, 
And in their place were shadows of some hate 

And disappointed love, bereft 

Of all that once had made it bright, 

Or worth a passing thought ! Yea, left 
With bitter memories of that sad plight 
In which he saw manhood and virtue wrapt, — 
And woman's social state ! 

XII. 

New cities gave a welcome then. 
And gay Society threw wide her doors, 
Inviting him so prodigal of wealth, 

Of noble form and face. And when 

He entered, Grace before him stood — 

Decoy to tempt his soul again ! 
And all the vile deceits of Fashion's brood — 
In power, frill and puiF — recalled his woes, 
To steal his heart by stealth. 

xm. 

He sickened in his soul at this ! 
The wanton stare was as the one he fled ; 
The idle words like those that set him mad ; 

The giddy reel but tortured his. 

Which conscience felt was right; the breath 

Of love was fatal to his bliss. 
Because he knew it led to virtue's death ! 
His heart in secret anguish so was bled ! — 
In sooth, the man was mad ! 

XIV. 

Mad with the world's enjoyment ! 
Mad with the vanity of things, the froth 
Of feeling and the name of vice ; the woe 

That multiplied ; — accomplishment 



258 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Of evil in its base design ; — 
Love in its reckless mood unpent ! 
Poor Virtue as a mock might well repine 
O'er hoUowness of things ; might yet be wroth 
And deem vile man a foe ! 

XV. 

He threw off all restraints, and — fell ! 
He put away his doubts and gave desire 
The reins of all his passions, so resolved 
To fare as others fared and dwell 
In sweet debauchery of love ! — 
He surfeited! The sick'ning spell 
Awoke his gloomier thoughts, — and high above 
Surroundings there, he saw the beacon fire 
Of sentiments revolved ! 

XVI. 

The harlot with her glassy stare, — 
How can a human instinct so debase 
A virtue born of life as to submit 
Embraces of the devil — bare ? — 
Yes, she was dead to him ! The red 
That tinged the sparkling wine was there, — 
But hell was in the dregs ! The song that said 
So many subtile things, could not debase 
Him more, and it had quit ! 

XVII. 

And poverty he saw, and death: — 
The complements of wealth and luxury ! 
He scattered gold around, but where it fell 
Contention rose, and gasped for breath 
To keep the struggle up, — Despair 
And Greed so pitted unto death ! 
^' Wealth is debased for want of other care ; 
The pauper to his lusts is ever free, — 
Both roads lead unto Hell ! " 



THE SHA D W-BRIDE. 259 

XVIII. 

What then was there for him to do ? 
Society was mock of his desire, 
And charity was lost on mendicant, 

And vile debauchery would do 

For fools, who knew no virtuous care ! 

For him life held some subtile view, 
To please or yet deceive his strange despair ! 
He longed for draught to cool the raging fire 
That moved his soul's descant. 

XIX. 

New scenes should banish all his care : 
He had not found society to change 
With peoples whom he met, — but nature did; 

She gave variety to bare 
; And rugged ways ; with time she strove 

To multiply her beauties fair, 
And countless eyes glanced up to blush the love 
That modesty can bloom in nature's range, — 
When by no evil hid. 

XX. 

A wand'rer then he straight became: 
A cosmopolitan without a home 
Or place of rest, but ever roving clime 

From clime in search of peace. His fame 

Ahasuerus might aspire — 

And he the Jew's dire fate and name! 
The Frigid's blast, the Tropic's breath of fire, 
The Desert's waste, the Ocean's crested foam, — 
All knew him at some time ! 

XXI. 

The paths of modern life he knew ; 
The ruins of former greatness searched in vain 
For solace to his troubled thoughts ! The stalls 

Mongolic treasures hold, to view 



260 THOUGHT THROBS: 

Were old, as howdah and bazar: 
The Afric sands, the Coptic crew 
In Moslem pilgrimage, — the Berber saw, — 
But not oblivion of his thoughts refrain ! 
For memory recalls ! 

XXII. 

He wearied, too, of this wild life : 
And then he anchored in a dreary place : — 
A rugged mountain plateau far above 

The rolling sea; the angry strife 

Of foolish man who wars with man 

To keep his social evils rife ! 
Here, where no human feet have trod, he can 
Forget the world and hate, and turn his face 
To that more worthy love ! 

XXIII. 

A plateau, but a narrow one : 
An eyrie in the mountains eagles might 
Select for their fit home to raise their young, 

And train their eyes to catch the sun. 

As rising in his splendor high, 

The world beneath is lighted on ! — 
With Falcon glance the quick and ready eye 
Is guided o'er expanses by the light 
The golden rays have flung. 

XXIV. 

Is this then what he sought? The lull 
. That brings surcease to worldly cares ? Beneath 
He saw the sea with sheeny face upheld 
To mirror glorious skies ; the gull 
That fluttered 'mong the clouds to hide 
From nature's art; a shipwrecked hull 
That told of anger spent, — the vaunting pride 
Of man who dared ! — the rigging all the wreath 
Of love faith then beheld ! 



THE SHADO W-BRIDE. 261 

XXV. 

In solitude a plain was seen, 
Far stretching to the east, until it came 
To mountains capp'd with snow, where sunlight played 

With iridescent beams; between, 

The shadows lurked, and fancy shapes 

Were marked at eventide, I ween. — 
And so the lowly wanderer escapes 
To find a hermitage beyond the shame 
And hell, life's lie has made ! 

XXVI. 

He sank him down and gazed on all : 
His heart was full of what he saw and knew ; — 
He builded hopes as ne'er he built before ! 

His wasted life he would recall. 

Its memory blot out, and purge 

His heart of all its bitter gall! 
And in contrition now, some faith would urge 
Conciliation to the world he flew, 
Filled with its rankling woe ! 

XXVII. 

His mind was full of thoughts. He said : 
"All life is vain, and social peace a lie! 
I've supped it full ! I've tasted of its dregs! 
And by its passions I've been led 
Unbridled as to will ! Have known 
The wild deceits of love ? — 't is dead i 
All dead and rot! — and Folly claims its own ! 
This love! vain love ! — O, foolish, foolish sigh ! 
Thou direst of all plagues ! 

XXVIII. 

"In youth I dreamed an ideal life, 
And so beheld the fairness of the earth 
Crowned as befit its dues : its mitre, gold ! — 
But not the drudge of human strife ! 



262 THOUGHT THROBS. 

The recompense of virtue then : 
And love was pure 'twixt man and wife ! 
I knew no vain philosophy ; or when 
The idea sprung, Platonic in its birth : — 
I felt it in my soul ! 

XXIX. 

" In manhood, faith, I saw the lie ! 
Lie to my dreams! Lie to Platonic thought! 
Base lie to truth, itself! Love is deceit! 
Love has a wanton's sigh ! an eye 
Of hoiden lust can not outstare ! 
Oh, I am sick of love ! the shy 
Pretence that renders mortals fools ! O, fair 
And morbid world, what have you wrought? I sought 
A love, — I found a cheat ! 

XXX. 

" Perliaps I built my hopes too high ! 
Perhaps I dreamed the human heart was strong; 
The will all firm and true and right inclined. 

And passions able to deny : 

Perhaps I thought that Virtue held 

Some commerce, too, with Love! And why? — 
Enough ! I found it wrong ! My soul rebelled 
O'er what I saw among the world's base throng. 
Hell measured and designed ! 

XXXI. 

" Great God! my heart was sad and low ! 
Why I could not enjoy as others did, 
Thou know'st : not I ! The truth I only say ! — 
I saw enough of bawd and show ; 
I saw enough of art's display : — 
Decolletedresses, bosom's snow 
Encompass hearts that throb to passion's sway ! 
The Persian's scanty leg-dress can not bid 
Desire more strong than they ! 



THE SHADOW-BRIDE. 263 

XXXII, 

" I 've stood within proud Fashion's hall ; 
I've seen the rich, tlie low, tlie high in state, 
The Hindoo and the Jew, Circassian, Greek — 

And sunk in jiassions are they all ! 

Monastic harems in the East, 

And priestly Nunneries recall 
The fact, that man is everywhere a beast ! 
And everywhere is woman found his mateT 
The anchorite a freak ! 

XXXIII. 

"Discolored are life's virtues here. 
And Lie triumphs while Truth is left to die; 
And Show is lord of Modesty and Grace ; 
And Vanity is left to cheer 
The soul that pines o'er what is lost 
By Virtue's wand'rings, lone and drear! 
And Greed and Lust and Pride disdain the cost 
Of life's travail, and mock sweet Pity's sigh, 
And Honor would deface! 

XXXIV. 

"I've turned my back upon it all ! 
I've scorned the friendship of the guilty throng; 
I've sought a fellowship with things more chaste ! 
In solitude I would recall 
The dreams of happy youth ; the face 
Of Purity that paid for all 
The labor spent. In fancy I would trace 
The image yet, and hear her phantom song 
Again in this wild place ! 

XXXV. 

" That song no one has ever sung ! — 
She used to sing to me, — this love of mine ! 
She used to soothe me in my heart's alarm ! 
And when my spirit sore was wrung, 



264 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Like iridescent hope she came 
And lulled to slumber all unstrung! 
Here on this rugged mountain I will tame 
The essence once again ! Will here confine 
The realm of all her charm ! " 

XXXVI. 

And so he lived alone. A hut 
He built upon that plateau, sticks and reeds 
And stone and clay, the stuff of building craft, — 
Like to the birds around ! He cut 
A path along the cliff that he might pass 
Around it clear; no view was shut 
From hungry eye ; — the sea, the mighty mass 
Of mountains capp'd with snow, the canon meads, 
The leaping rills that laught! 

XXXVII. 

To join the cataracts below — 
The depths so lost in gloom — all were in view! 
And nature in her grandeur lay serene : — 

A paradise to heart so sore ! 

And birds were his companions there ; 

And gentle breezes whispered low ; 
And bright-eyed flowers blushed their modest cheer. 
And gave the winds the rich perfumes they blew 
About the mountain green. 

XXXVIII. 

Here did he live, unhappy churl, 
Whom man had called a misanthrope, a dunce, 
Who could not see the merit of this life ; 

Nor learn the good things of the world, 

Though grasp might seize and taste and know! 

The "swine" had passed beyond the " pearl " ; 
Had wallowed in the mire :— so let him go ! 
All things had lain within his power once, — 
And he had chosen strife ! 



THE SHADOW-BRIDE. 265 

XXXIX. 

His victory he felt. He gave 
His soul mad license once to now despair ! — 
Eenunciation was his only choice ; 

And pristine purity to save 

Had called for isolation there, 

Away from all the wiles that gave 
A simple heart to darkness and to fear 
Of Hell : — from syren of the Devil's lair — 
Society's false voice ! 

XL. 

The world he banished from his mind. 
The idle hours gave him subtile charm; 
He watched the birds and listened to their song ;_ 

And learned the many feathered kind, 

And formed a fellowship with all ; 

And felt ashamed that he had pined ! 
And cheering, too, were flowers and the fall 
Of purring rills, cicada's sharp alarm 
And stridulating song ! 

XLI. 

The days so passed in dreamy train. 
For food, the mountain berry was his dish ; 
And speckled eggs the chirping birds would lay ! 

From such a theft he would refrain ; 

But they seemed all inviting, and 

Their merry notes did not complain! 
So deeming it no fault, he gave command 
To hunger to appease its craving wish ; 
The which it did obey. 

XLn. 

Then childhood vision came again : 
The soothing comfort of the peace of earth, 
Evolved a train of thoughts so happy drawn, 

The image was impressed as when 



266 THOUGHT THROBS. 

The heart was young, and Faith could say — 
Awakened so — " It might have been ! " 
For Hope still pictured in the world ,a fay 
In human guise that held some higher worth 
Than Fashion's savage spawn ! 

XLIII. 

He watched the lights and shadows play, 
And saw within the passing clouds the face 
Of airy nothings, yet of forms divine 

That arched the azure vault of day — 

Hegira of the souls of dream 

In transport to fair realms away ! 
Yet some were wont to loiter, it would seem. 
And chose the mountain crags for such a place : 
Above the glint snow line! 

XLIV. 

And like a crown of glory hung 
A halo o'er the mountain's crest of snow; 
A fire flashed from the crystal ice in rays 
Scintillant, grand ; and rainbows sprung 
In misty frost, as garlands then, 
Or jewels of the heavens strung ! — 
The sun declining filled the mountain glen 
With mystic shapes and shadows far below 
Where Twilight early plays ! 

XLV. 

To him, things here were real and true ! 
The shapes were things of life, and of the throng 
His heart chose one ; and golden was her hair 

By day, her eyes an azure blue; 

But when the shades of night came on, 

They touched and lent a sombre hue 
To all the graces of his dream forlorn ! 
Yet naught affected him ; his love was strong — 
He knew her only fair ! 



THE SHADOW-BRIDE. 267 

XLVI. 

In any likeness she was fair — 
This ideal dream ! And whether in the cloud 
Above his head her fancied face appeared, 

Or whether shade of mountain bare 

Outlined her swaying form to him ; 

All things were ready to declare 
Her real and true, and no deceitful. whim 
To cheat his soul, or doom it to the shroud 
Of death — if thoughts had erred ! 

XL VII. 

In peace his soul had found sweet rest : 
He passed the days in watching shadows play, 
In tracing in the throng his heart's true love,— 

The love that all his soul confessed ! 

Now here the shadow hung ; now there ; 

Now far beyond the mountain crest, 
With swaying arms inviting him to share 
Its merry flight : now in its shade he lay, — 
Embraced so by his love ! 

XLvni. 

Elysium of earthly joy ! 
He passed the night as day, some twinkling star 
An Astr^a of love and prophecy, 

Unrav'ling skeins the Fates employ 

To tangle thoughts of man : — her kiss 

He felt within the dew-drop coy ! 
He threw his arms, within his slumb'ring bliss, 
About the light, and dreamed that he held there 
The substance of his sigh ! 

XLIX. 

And then more fairy forms would come 
To multiply the joy his heart could feel 
Asleep or yet awake — for dream was both ! 

His reveries were still their home ! 



268 THOUGHT THROBS. 

And in the train of dreamland nymphs, 
His spirit moved like soul of some 
Poor ancient bard whose eye had caught a glimpse 
Of Naiads at play, or heard the Oread's peal 
Of laughter, Satyr's oath ! 

L. 

He wooed his love in every shade : 
He saw her smile in every flitting light ; 
Her graceful form in every swaying thing: — 
A wild, imaginary maid ! 
' Mong Dryads she was queen, and wore 

The diadem of nymphs ; and played 
As queen to Potamids as well ; and bore 
The dignity of every mountain sprite. 
Or wood or gushing spring ! 

LI. 

And she was queen to him! His eye 
Pursued her in the sunny sky, and saw 
Her flutt'ring far beneath in shade and gloom; 

Then, hung in graceful shadows nigh ! 

The murmur of the winds her speech 

To him, their whispered breath her sigh ! 
And song of bird, or fountain splash, was each 
The voice of all her love ! — and stranger awe 
Comes not o'er souls at doom ! 

LII. 

He knew he loved her, and he thought 
She spoke her love to him, and bade him hope 
For fit requital of the heart he gave 

Without demand for what it sought ! 

He loved her and her wish was his ; 

And in his rapture he had caught 
The vagueness of her substance, felt the bliss 
Of vacancy : — saw not the downward slope 
Of madness and the grave ! 



THE SHADOW-BRIDE. 269 

LIII. 

How unlike all he'd known on earth ! 
Arts Avere disdained, and sweet simplicity 
Was soul of this, his love ! and Fashion's yoke ? 

A thing of such capricious worth 

It was not felt! and Slander's tongue? 

As dumb as that that ne'er had birth ! 
This love of his is what the heart has sung 
In solace to itself since Fancy free, 
Found voice to speak — and spoke ! 

LIV. 

He wooed and won her in his dream ! 
He sat upon the cliffs as by her side : 
He opened to her gaze his secret soul — 

She as confessor, it would seem, 

Of what he hid from all the world: — 

The brightness of the inward beam 
So radiant of Hope ! He was a churl 
Because mankind had turned awry the tide 
Beyond his own control ! 

LV. 

The voice of sympathy was low ! 
Too low, indeed, for judgment's ear to hear, . 
Yet loud enough for him whose heart returns 

Reply to thoughts and tears of woe ! 

Then melancholy fled as one 

Pursued, and in its place, a glow 
Of sweet delirium of hope : — the sun 
So showered his bright rays upon him there 
Through mountain clefts and ferns ! 

LVI. 

What mattered if he knew it not ? 
His head was filled with dream : the Truth might come 
And rap at Wisdom's door, — it could not wake 

A soul so lost within the plot 



270 THOUGHT throbs: 

Of Fancy, which has swept from view 
The thorns of life, that better lot 
Might buoy the heart and build its faith anew !- 
'T is thus alone that Pleasures can find some 
Surcease of life's heartache. 

LVII. 

The Shadow-nymph and he would wed ! 
He saw her so preparing in the glade : 
And maidens hung bright jewels in her hair; — 

And wreathed and decked the nuptial bed ! 

And priest from some celestial height 

Was come to join — by fairies led 
In train ! and then a thousand rays of light 
O'erhung the lofty canopy of shade 
And smiled and sparkled there ! 

LVIII. 

And 'mid the splendor of the scene, 
And all the happy throng so gathered round. 
He saw himself bedecked as bridegroom there, 

Beside the Shadow-nymph of dreamj — 

The visioned purity of thought 

So animated, it would seem ! 
And deep within enchanted ears he caught 
The chant of wedding marches, and the sound 
Of speech to join him there ! 

LIX. 

And she — the lovely Nymph — his bride! 
He danced in ecstacy ! he laughed with joy ! 
He sang the sweet delusion to his heart ! — 

In fullness of it all, he cried ! 

He feasted with the guests ; he bade 

Good welcome to his love and pride ; — 
And in his transport felt that he was mad ! 
Yet what could now despair, or him annoy ? 
He was beyond all art ! 



THE SHADOW-BRIDE. 271 

LX. 

Into his garland'd couch he went: 
He sank him down upon the bed of leaves: — 
He would collect his thoughts, but yet the tide 

Seemed in confusion lost or bent. 

The lights were still above, without, 

And to his tingling ears were sent 
Again the merry, festal, wedding shout — 
Which blinded love and folly still deceives! — 
He waited there his bride ! — 

LXI. 

A storm had overcast the night 
And hid from mundane eyes the twinkling stars; 
And flashes of its hate had been the glare 

Of bridal chambers bathed in light ! 

Its voice of thunder, too, so spoke 

The festal shout : — as well it might ! 
The victim lay, nor torrents e'er awoke 
One in his plight — when Reason leaps his bars 
To fall into despair ! — 

LXII. 

How long the night he waited her 
He knew not, nor why she should flee embrace 
Of him whose bruised heart was all her own, 

And clung to her as if she were 

The guardian of its peace and love ! 

The pilot who should thenceforth stir 
The troubled thing into a haven, cove 
Of hope and rest — a sweet and joyous place 

His soul had never known. 

Lxm. 

But when he opened eyes again, 
They fell upon strange sights : for narrow walla 
Confined him who had slept beneath the vault 

Of heaven, uncontined! and then 



272 THOUGHT THROBS. 

He saw the hand of man in this ; 

And tried to think where he had been, 
And what it was that spoke to him of bliss; 
Of love and freedom ; — mountains, waterfalls : — 
And then there came a halt : — 

LXIV. 

Where was she, and what had become 
Of all her train ? The plateau and the glade ? 
The cliffs and mighty chasms far below ? 

His bed ? his rude constructed home ? 

He grew more anxious with each thought 

That came, and feared she ne'er would come 
Again to soothe him and his mind distraught 
Free of the frenzy longing absence made : — 
How could she treat him so ! 

LXV. 

Or was it all a dream ? His bride 
A fashioned figment of his teeming brain ? 
Their nuptials but the lunacy of thought 

That to his trusting heart had lied ? 
" Come back, come back, O Shadow false ! 

Eeturn unto my fancy's tide ! 
For though untrue, thy strange and mazy waltz 
Was comfort to my loneliness! refrain 
Of what the soul once sought ! " 

LXVI. 

No echo e'en returned his cry ! 
And barer loomed the walls that fenced him round ; 
And lower yet the ceiling of the room 

Seem dropped to smother breath of sigh ! 

Unbounded once his thoughts could soar 

Aloft ; he, noAV confined, must die ! 
He wept for freedom ; longed to hear the roar 
Of wildest elements — for in their sound 
Was voice of her — and doom ! 



THE SHADOW-BRIDE. 273 

LXVII. 

His thoughts were broken in upon : 
He heard a gentle tread — loose floor-boards squeak! 
He saw a light steal through an open door — 

A ray directly from the sun ! 

And with it came a maiden fair, 

Though yet a simple rustic one, 
Whose glance was soft and shy, while wilder hair 
Blew carelessly about a blushing cheek 
Where health seemed evermore. 

LXVIII. 

She moved as fairy-like as her 
He sought, as round about the room she tripped, 
Adjusting this and that, arranging all 

With due regard for his good cheer. 

He followed her with questioning eyes; 

He tried to understand her care. 
And how he came within her home ; why ties 
He once had broken — blighted hope had nipped, — 
She now could so recall. 

LXIX. 

His interest so increased. He gazed 
Into her honest, comely face, and thought 
Of others he had fled ; but saw no trace 

'Tween blushing health and rouge ! Amazed 

He was at her more simple grace. 

Which strangely proved the world was crazed 
By artifice and sham : — it else could trace 
The symmetry of love in things unwrought ! — 
Not borrowed form and face ! 

LXX. 

The maiden was a country lass; 
A shepherdess whose parents sure were poor ; 
Who lived a frugal life within the wild, 

And truly rugged mountain pass 
19 



274 THOUGHT THROBS. 

Where strangers seldom came to mar 
The quietude of Nature's mass ! 
Within that shepherd's home was tender care, 
And much to nurse a spirit sweet and low: — 
She grew a docile child. 

LXXI. 

She spoke to him in accents sweet ; 
She told him that he must not speak or try 
Recall the past ; or understand what all 

Had happened in his strange retreat. 

He now was in her home ; her care 

Was all his own, and she would treat 
Him to his health again : help him repair 
The waste mephitic air, inclement sky 
Had ravaged in his fall. 

LXXII. 

He listened and believed ! He felt 
A strange, sweet rest so answering every word ; 
And peace came in his heart when she was near ; 

And fountains of his eyes would melt 

In happy tears, that even late 

Friendship had come, and faith had felt 
The subtile charm of its respect and state ; 
Which all the rapture of the soul had stirred 
At first at thought of cheer. 

LXXIII. 

He strengthened in his faith of her : 
He followed with his eyes her every move ; 
Obeyed her every look, or low command ; 
And found no will or doubting fear 
Opposing aught she did or said I 
He drifted in his thoughts of her, 
As day by day she waited by his bed 
Attending to his wants, her skill to prove 
By health's returning hand. 



THE SHADOW-BRIDE. 275 

LXXIV. 

He drifted in a sea of love ! 
And then he saw his Shadow-bride in her : 
Heard in her voice the song of merry birds ; 

The cooing of that mountain dove 

That sat with him upon the crest 

To sigh and whisper dreams of love ! 
Her eyes were as the stars that so confessed 
The unity of soul 'tween him and her : 
Th'r'was music in her words! 

LXXV. 

And day by day the fancy grew ; 
And love was stronger than returning health ; 
And hope found object in the rustic maid 

It once despaired of ere it knew ! 

What cared he for her humble life? 

The things the world would fain eschew? 
She was to him more worthy yet to wife 
Than all the giddy jades of rank and wealth 
That Fashion ever made ! 

LXXVI. 

Her gentle touch was sweetest balm : 
Her wise assurance more than wisdom's oath : 
Her voice the chime of all the harmonies 

That soothe the troubled heart to calm ! 

The smile that lighted up her face, 

Shone sunlight in the heart's alarm ! 
In every movement Love was sure to trace 
Some grace, some tenderness of heart, or both : — 
To fill the soul with sighs! 

LXXVII. 

He would reward her for her care : 
Wealth should transform this humble mountain cot 
Into a palace grand ! her simple ways 

Should grace the regal state : should share 



276 THO UGHT THR OBS. 

In fashioning tlie world ! — its mould 

To cast in truer die and fair ! 
The shepherd and his wife should have a fold 
That dream had never hoped for as their lot ! — 
Nor benefit repays ! 

LXXVIII. 

He mused and dreamed the days away, 
The maid the center of his thoughts, his will 
To claim her when again his health should come, 
And he could feel life's vigor play 
In mind and muscle ; and his heart 
Grew cheerful with the thought! — the day 
Not distant, for her happy healing art 
Brought faith ; since that, though convalescent still. 
Health smiled a kind welcome ! 

LXXIX. 

Alas, how oft the heart 's deceived ! — 
Her lover came!— a simple, rustic swain! — 
To claim her ere the invalid found speech ! 

He had not asked her, yet believed 

Her heart was his ! — for sure her eyes 

Had spoken sympathy ; retrieved 
The scattered fragments of his heart; the cries 
Of all his soul ! had eased his aching brain ; — 
Bred love beyond his reach ! 

LXXX. 

"Strength now, O God, to all endure! " 
The first sight bade him silence, for he saw 
The youth embrace the maid as he of right ! 
And she return his pressure, pure 
In act and modest glance ; her blush 
Bespeaking that her heart was true ! 
Their manner and the deed did then so crush 
His fainting heart, poor love succumbed to law 
Of fate ; hope died at sight ! 



THE SHADO W-BRIDE. 277 

LXXXI. 

They were oblivious to the world ! 
They did not see him in their love's embrace ! 
They thought not of the heart that such might break ! 

They knew not that their act would hurl 

A trusting soul into the pit 

Of dark despair — a hopeless churl ! 
They only knew their souls were strongly knit 
In union sweet ! They did not care to face 
Aught that could doubt awake ! 

LXXXII. 

He closed his eyes on all that passed ! 
His heart with woes unspeakable was full! 
" O God! " he cried in surfeit of his grief, 
" Be yet a little kind ! This last 
Is more than I can bear ! I would 
The future live in peace; the past 
Forget: canst Thou not aid the will that should 
O'ercome the snares of life that downward jnill 
Faith's soaring hope so brief ? 

LXXXIII. 

" Be merciful to me and mine ! 
My faith is sorely tried by all the world! 
My love has sought an object never found ! 
My heart has never ceased to pine : 
So much tormented mind and will ! 
So much deceived, — this soul of mine ! 
Love sickened; died! Love newly born would fill 
Hope's dream ! — awak'ning comes again to hurl 
Its faith in sadness down ! 

LXXXIV. 

" I love this simple country maid ! 
I dreamed that she loved me, and in the thought 
My heart was buoyant, and the past forgot; 
And all its ills and doubts repaid 



278 THOUGHT THROBS. 

By confidence new-boru ; and faith 
That all the world was not so made 
As pictured at the first : — which Folly saith 
Is due of all her worth ; so vilely wrought 
To pay the fool his lot ! 

LXXXV. 

" The false, the fanciful, the true, 
Now rise before me in my wisdom's hour ! — 
I see again the world with its false charm : 
Its flattery I would eschew ! — 
I see my fancied Shadow-bride ! — 
The mountain's lofty dome of blue ! — 
I see the fact, and death of all my pride ! — 
I feel in all im potency of power: — 
I know the heart's alarm ! 

LXXXVI. 

"All pain is mine! — mine to endure! 
Mine yet to suffer, whilst the rest enjoy 
Peace and the ease of settled consciousness ! 
Mine ! Mine ! No pleasure can allure 
Whilst Truth discloses still the luring smile 
Of Sin and Death : I will endure 
In silence, and this anguish so beguile 
That black Forgetf ulness shall find employ 
In blanker nothingness ! 

LXXXVII. 

" O God, what bitterness in life ! — 
Yet here is love in sweet and natural guise : — 
Two youths that know not of the world's vain ways; 
Or hate, or poor Ambition's strife ! — 
I love her, but her heart is his! — 
And he shall know a loving wife ! 
The grief is mine: nor shall it mar their bliss! — 
The night is thence : oblivion the prize !— . 
So may I end my days ! " 



HALCYOE^E. 



DEAMATIS PERSONiE. PART I. 

Cey.x, King of Trachinise. Halcyone, daughter of ^Eolus ; w ife of 

^01. us, God of Winds, father Halcyone. Ceyx. 

Zephyr, "1 Achlys [gloom , wife of ^Eolns. 

EuRUS, I TVioivinrio Claumone (teavs) , sister of Halcvoue. 

Boreas h ^^le vviuu&. ^Egle, ~) Hesperides, daughters 

NoTUS, J Arethusa, yof Hesperus, sisters of 

Nephos (cloud), and Isnns of T-olns Hesperia, j Ceyx. 

Clauthmos (raindrop), P°°^ °^ -^°^''^- Thetis, \ Nereides 

Triton, ] Amphiteite, etc., | ^""^^^i^"--- 

Proteus, I <, p , Chloris, Goddess of Flowers. 

Glaucus, f " "^'"»- Aphrodite, Goddess of Love. 

^G.EON, J Echo, a nymph. 

Eros, God of Love. Sibyl, a prophetess. 

Pan, a Woodland Deity. Methe (drunkenness), a slave. 

Other Nereides, Dryads, Naiads, Potamids, Oceanides, etc., together with 
Satyrs, beasts and birds, etc.; also a fierce Dragon. 

Scene First : Hesperia, or the Island of the Blest ; afterwards in the Liparte 
islands, or home of ^Eolus. 

Time — Thirteen hundred years B.C. 



PART I. 

Scene I. — Hesperia ; the Seashore, Ocean and Garden scene, with 
Castle in the distance. Enter Halcyone borne in a hammock by the 
two Wind sprites, EuRUS and Zephyr. 

Halcyone. And this is the land so far renowned on earth ! 
The Macaron Isles the race of man would call 
The " Blest abode,"* Elysium of the soul, 
Which here no wild contention yet can feel, 
Nor pain nor sorrow know; where life is whole; 
Where death abideth not, where peace doth reign ; 
Nor storm of elements, nor raging fire, 
Nor tempest yet of hate can here bestir 
The calm the passions feel in such a clime ! 
Most beautiful indeed ! We '11 rest us here. 

•^Transposed from the Greek MaKapuv N^ao^the Islands of the Blest. The 
Fortunatre Insulte of Plinv, Plutarch and Suetonius 



280 H ALCYONE. 

EuRUS. Fair daughter of the Fret of Elements, 
Thyself was always calm and full of peace, 
Though born of changing ^olus and her 
Known else as Gloom— dark Achlys of the inist. 
And knowing thee as sunshine of the dark, 
I brought thee here that thou might'st so enjoy 
A smile of Nature like unto thyself. 
Here Zephyr and myself are wont to come 
To while a pleasant hour, and to help 
The roses bloom : — I blow the budding blossoms, 
Whilst he from eye-like calyxes doth sip 
The dew-drop tear! — Chloris, his much belov'd, 
Is wont to loiter here for him to woo. 

HALCYOisrE. Ah, Zephyr, I did think thou hadst a cause 
For coming here ! 

Zephyr. Sweet mistress, such a cause 

I 'm proud to own. Didst thou not teach me words 

Of love when that I wooed her in thy meads? 

Sweet patroness of love, I brought thee here ; 

For not entirely free of jealousy 

Or pain or what the heart can trouble so 

Elsewhere within the world, is this fair clime. 

Within that wold the garden is where grow 

The golden apples of celestial love, 

So planted by the queen of mighty Zeus; 

And these are guarded by a dragon fierce, 

Whose eyes stab like the Basilisk's whose fangs 

Drop liquid poison of the things of life : 

And him the daughters of wild Night attend, 

Hesperides so called from Iheir bright sire 

That twinkles in the twilight of the day. 

They tend the Garden and the Dragon there, 

Which Hera hath so posted in the fear 

Some one will steal the gift of mother Earth. 

Fear dwells in this Elysian home, forsooth, 

Though gods conspired to make it one of love ! 



H ALCYONE. 281 

\_Enter Hesperides, singing.'] 
Hesperides. We are the trusted maids of Hera grand ; 
In high imperial favor so we stand, 
When things of care 
Divided are 
We maidens three find some to bear, 
Because we here are joined in sacred band. 

The Dragon is our slave, and Methe, too, 
And many others quite as good and true, 

Who never shirk, 

But for us work 
Till shadows of the night do lurk 
Abroad to tell us rest and sleep is due. 

"We hold the gift of love here on the earth ; 
Our home is deemed the land of greatest worth, 

And days of ease 

Will ever please 
Those whom the gods have saved disease : — ' 
And we have been so favored from our birth. 

Sing we, sing we, 
In joyous praise of all ; 

Sing we, sing we, 
Let happy voice extol 
The virtue and the kindness of the gods. 
Of the gods, of the gods, of the great and mighty gods! 

^gle. Come, sisters, look! can ye not see 
A white gull hov'ring over the sea? 
Its wings outspread, its beak raised high. 
As gazing in realms of the eth'ral sky, 
Scorning the sun with his wild, fierce eye? 

Arethusa. Methinks it is a swan, its plumage white 
Sweeping the frothy waters of the sea ; 
It moves ! — it comes this way ! A water sprite 
It is, lost, or seeking its destiny ! 



282 H ALCYONE. 

Hesperia. a sail ! a sail ! say I. 
A nautilus it is! 
Its prow towards us is high : — 
Its crew is love, I wis ! 

All. a sail ! a sail ! say we, 

Coming over the sea! 
What can it mean? Who can it be? 
We will meet and greet will Ave 
Friends who come from over the sea. 

-^GLE. Hasten, sisters; quick! prepare 
Welcome for the strangers there ! 

Arethusa. We must gather fruit and wine ; — 
They, perchance, may wish to dine ! 
Hungry strangers often do : — 
Methe, fetch some distilled dew. 

Hespebia. I will meet them, I will greet them : — 
Come, my sisters, let us go. 
To this sunny clime we '11 bid them 
Welcome here upon the shore. 

All. We will meet them, we will greet them, 
Here on fair Hesperia's shore ; 
We will welcome and receive them: — 
Though we never met before. 

\_Enter Ceyx attended by the fifty Nereides and the Sea Gods, 
Triton, Proteus, Glaucus, and ^G^oisr, a monster having fifty 
heads and an hundred hands. '\ 

Ceyx. Now by the eyes of glaring Argus I am glad 
To find my sisters here, ready to greet 
The unexpected strangers with their cheer 
And loving words. And look ye at the feast 
Of fruits and wines! Now will the inner man 
Rejoice at such a welcome due to gods 



H ALCYONE. 283 

Alone. The waves have stirred the tongue of appetite, 

Which wags with sweet delight before the feast! 

Good greetings to you all. both sisters dear, 

And fair Hesperia's slaves. Come, ye Sea gods, 

And fellow-voyagers of fairer mien ; 

These are my sisters who before you stand: 

^gle, the proud, and Arethusa, meek, 

And shyer-eyed Hesperia, whose voice 

Can wake deep slumb'ring love. And these, my dears, 

Are daughters of fair Doris and the sea 

When it is calm : — Nereides they 're known 

The ocean o'er ; and in their crystal cave 

In ^gseon, the many island'd sea, 

They lull the angry waters into calm, 

And stir the hopes of sailors on the main. 

-^QLE. Our hearts have bid you welcome and good cheer: 
Our tongues can say no more; yet we rejoice 
In doing honor to the gods of sea, 
And maidens of its peaceful rest and love. 

Thetis (a Nereid). And in behalf of nymphs of Nereus, 
I do return thy welcome and will share 
Its pleasures here with thee. I oft have seen 
Your shores and marveled at the rich expanse 
Of fruit and vines, and reveled in the beauty 
Of its bright flowers, rich in their perfume, 
Whose essence seemed meshed in the sunny bloon) 
So mirrored in the quiv'ring wave that swells 
My vast domain. Happy are we to meet 
The daughters of Hesperus, and we bid 
A friendship so unite us evermore. 

Proteus. And in behalf of sea gods, let me say. 
That pleasure is fuU-tipp'd in meeting you : 
For oft have we conspired when on these seas 
Some ruse for ingress to your happy land ; 



284 HALCYON E. 

Whereon we 've caught fair pictures of yourselves, 
That urged our strong desires for bolder acts ! 
Now we are here, now as we 've reached the goal 
Of heart's desire, our wish and will are yours ! 

^GLE. Too much, methinks, to claim them all at once! 
But, to the feast which Methe here has spread : 
Gay voyagers speak better when well fed ! 

Ceyx. To the feast! To the feast! 

For hungry we are ! 
We will dine; bring us wine! — 
Like kings will we fare! 

The Hesperides. Draw around the festal board ; 
Throw aside the things of strife ; 
Give to Grief his bitter load ; 

Let us taste the sweets of life. 
Unalloyed, unalloyed ! 

The Sea Gods. We will eat and drink with you ; 
We will join you in your mirth ; 
And no laggard shall eschew 

Pleasure such as this is worth ! 
This to you ; it 's your due ! 

Chorus. Bread of Demeter and fruit: 

Blood of Bacchus, — sparkling wine! 
Savory dish of luscious brute: — 
All before us! let us dine ! — 
Listen to the pleasing lute ! 

Hear the clink, clink, clink? 

See decanters full of blood ? 
Fill again and let us drink 

Health of all here in the wood ! 
To the music of the clink, let us drink! 

Proteus. Faith, I see glories in the sky ! — 
Triton. And I see two-fold man in thee! — 



HALCrONE. 285 

Thetis. In sooth, it is within thine eye ! — 
^G^EON. And thou a changeful minx, I see! 

[ The Dragon roars. 
Ceyx. What? ho! 

Nereides. It is some fearful thing! 

See ! see ! It comes ! a hideous monster ! 
Help ! help ! 

Hesperides. Fear not : we hold its sting. 

It is our slave, and here doth foster 
Peace and good care. He here doth guard 
The treasure that was love's reward 
When Hera joined with Zeus to wife : — 
Unguarded such would stir up strife. 

Ceyx. But we are now for mirth and play ! 
Go chain the beast, and let us join 
In dance within this shade to-day: 
We can not bear such sounds forlorn ! 

Hesperides. Our will is thine, and we will see 
No harm befall our friends and thee. 
Ho ! Dragon ! back into thy lair ! 
Go, Methe ; chain him there ! 

Ceyx. Now call abroad the sylvan sprites; 
Let Pan and Satyrs join us here, 
And woodland nymphs, and every wight 
That fi'ights or can bring cheer. 

Here in the shade o' this garland'd glade, 

Beside this babbling fount. 
Whose balmy breath comes ladened with 

The sweets of sunny mount, 
We '11 trip to thee, Terpsichore, 

Join here our festive band, 
And let thy strain be heard again 

With reedy notes of Pan ! 



286 HALCYON E. 

lEnter Pan, the Satyrs and Dryads, Naiads, Potamids, 

OCEANIDES, etc.] 

Come, welcome all ! Let joy recall 

Sweet pleasures of the youth ! 
We mingle here and add our cheer 

To put away all ruth. 

Chorus. Music, music ! sound sweet music ! 
Chords of love and notes divine; 
Drown in harmony our senses, 

Draw us around thy sacred shrine — 
Steep us as with Bacchic wine ! 

Let thy numbers speak in chorus ; 

Temper well the wild heart's beat : 
Draw together anxious lovers, — 

Time the patter of their feet ! — 

Let the flying moments fleet! 

[ They dance — chasseing right and left. 

Females. Ob here we trip and dance : — 
Touch now the golden lyre ! 
Did nymphs before e'er prance 
As we while gods admire ! 

Males. We 're rough and shaggy sports 
To catch this nimble pace ! 
But 'neath our rugged coats 
Are hearts that would embrace ! 
Embrace, embrace, embrace, — 
Are hearts that would embrace ! 

STROPHE. 

Chorus. Peace sleeps in the wood. 
The mountain is fair. 
Not a cloud of the sky is pinacled there ; 
And the birds in the trees sing of joy and love, 
And harmony dreams in bright regions above : 



HALCYONE. 287 

While fountains soft whisper the tale here below, — 
All that the heart wishes or faith yet would know 
Of duty and good. 

ANTISTROPHE. 

Love sits in the shade, 

And here on the shore, 
We are drawn this bright love to adore ; 
And to notes of the birds, we will add our words, 
And with rapturous songs will implore 
Requital of all that he holds in his thrall ; 

The trust that in faith should be paid. 

EPODE. 

To the right, to the left, 

Aside and before, 
We are dancing here on Hesperia's shore : 
In the sunshine of love, in no shadow of doubt, 
We see not a frown, we see not a pout 
On the face of our love ; nor is smile yet bereft 

Maid of the Ocean. 

The Nereides. O handsome youth and kind, 
What is this we find ! 
Within the sparkling cave which we call home. 
Upon the swelling seas where we are known. 
Naught have we found so gay, 

Naught half so free, 

As tripping here to-day 

With love and thee ! 

We live within a spell 
Whose secret none can tell. 
Save first we felt it when we met with thee ; 
And kindled now in transport can it be 
It waits upon thyself? 

By thee is fed? 
And if thou shouldst neglect, 
Will it be dead? 



288 HALCYON E. 

Chorus. Oh ! away with the dread, and away with the dream 
That would rob us of joy, that would love us bemean ! 
We will live in love's smile, we will drink of love's cheer? 
We will listen to naught that will whisper of fear ! 
We dance, we dance, we sing and we dance ; 
Our feet are as free as the moonbeams that prance 
O'er hill-top and glade as they scamper at night. 
In chase of the shadows their light can affright! 
[Halcyone in a nook with the Wind Sprites.] 
Halcyone. a pretty youth I see joined with the nymphs I 
Who can he be ? Now here I catch a glimpse 
Of what could make my heart so glad. 
Could it but know its wish ! — I 'm mad 
To reckon love I 've never found! — 
The nymphs now gather him around I 
How happy they must feel to know 
Themselves the first within his heart ! 
How naivete and coy that art, 

Which all their graces now would show ! 
He shall not waste his sweetness all 

On daughters of the sea ! 
Go, Zephyr, on thy swiftest wings : 
Go kiss his cheek for me! 

Zephyr. Thy will is mine ; 

I will obey, 
I will entwine 

With thongs to stay. 
His heart to thine 

This very day ! 



I whisper of love, 

I playfully hum 
To the bees with the breeze, 
As I come, as I come ! 

My breath with perfume 

Of the flower is lade. 



[ Ooes. 



HALCYON E. *289 

My lips have but sipped 
Of the violet's dew, 

My cheeks have the bloom 

That the lily has made, 

My wings now are tipped 
With the dye of the Yew ! 
As I come, as I come, 

Commissioned by love; 
On the breeze, on the breeze. 

As a dreamy-eyed dove. 
In search of the bliss 

Love feels is its due : — 
Here press I the kiss 

As my mistress would do. 

\_Kisses Ceyx. 

Ceyx. 'T is fire upon my brow! 

Desire within my heart 
Would never yet allow 

A sweetness to depart ! 
Who now did press that kiss? 

Stay ! See within the grove ? 
My sisters, how is this? 
Who hides in yonder cove? 

[ To Halcyone. 

Beautiful creature, whyhidest thou 
Here in this bramble, beneath this low bough ? 
Away from the pleasures thou cou,ldst so well grace, 
When hearts were yet full but to look on thy face ! 
And love ever ready to fail at thy feet ; 
Why here, linger here in this lonely retreat ? 
Let me beg. 

Let me beg 

That thou joinest in mirth, 
And add to our pleasures and pleasure's sweet worth. 

20 



290 H ALCYONE. 

For the favor, sweet favor thou pressed on my brow 
Through my servant, the Wind, that was whisking just now, 
Oh how can I thank thee, or hope to repay 
The kindness that threw me a kiss here to-day ! 
Vouchsafe me a look ! extend me a hand, 
And all that I hold is at thy command! 
Let me give. 

Let me give 

To thee in return, 
That kiss that must else on my brow ever burn ! 

My heart-throbs quicken yet ! 

O maid, wilt thou not let 

Me so return to thee 

The kiss thou gavest me ? 
Come forth ! come forth ! no longer seek to hide ! 
No harm can come to thee whom gods betide ! 
Such charms as thou possesseth should not lurk 
Behind such leafy screens; nor shouldst thou shirk 
The duty of thy being, which is love ! 
Come forth, come forth, thou gentle, little dove ! 

Halcyone. The lark is gay in youth; but I have heard 

Its gayety is gone when it hath met 
Him that can flatter so that every word 

Is laid up in its soul to sharply whet 
An appetite for praise : — am I the bird 

To be cajoled with that I can not get? 

Ceyx. Thou canst have all an amorous soul may wish, 
If any part of it is this, myself ! 
My heart is sure no thistle-down to drift 
Upon the breeze and light where chance may will; 
Yet I confess that thou wert loved at sight. 
That all thy charms suffused me like a blush 
Whose coyness thawed the ice of outer mien 
And found sweet ingress to a slumb'ring soul. 



HALCYONE. 291 

To fire it up with hottest flames of love: — 

Now all consuming, if thou sootheth not ! 

Come forth ! come forth, sweet maid, and join us here. 

I would now tell thee how thou mastered me I 

How all the world is shadowed in the light 

Of thy fair self, soever radiant they ; 

And how a thi'ob of something kin to pain 

Disturbs the peace of loveless lassitude ! 

Halcyone. If I do come, some one, I fear, will say, 
"'Tis flattery leads her forth, poor foolish thing I " 
And if I stay, a prude I will be called 
For so forsaking gayety of youth ! 
And thus between the two I'll bid myself 
Decide ; the weight of pleasure weigh 'gainst fear 
Of what the world may say : — so here I am I 
My foolish heart is restless with your words : 
So pray you cease ere such have started pain. 

Ceyx. Have started pain ! Thou sunbeam of a heart. 
What wise deceit hath lodged within thy brain? 
Can love start pain, or did the mating yet of souls 
Beget a brood of toils ? or tribe of hate ? 
Berid thyself of such a thought, for false 
It is, and pain it would so bring to thee! 
Remember this: Thou art so beautiful 
It were a sin to hide thy charms from eyes 
That fain would feast upon that beauty's self. 
So reveling in the grace of natui-e's art! 
I do acknowledge thee my queen ! Thine eye 
Hath flashed within my darkened soul a ray 
Of cheerful light, illumining the joys 
I never knew were there before — the gems 
Of hope to sparkle in the diadem 
Of life, serene in pleasure and in love! 
Thy kiss was like a glowing wine of life. 
That from its chalice flashed as flame of fire, 



292 H ALCYONE. 

Hot with the love that starts the heart's desire. 

Now hast thou not another one to crown 

The enamoured soul thy first gat being? Ye gods! 

Was beauty ever yet so full bestowed, 

Or mortal so enriched in favored guise ? 

Her eyes are like the jewels of the sky 

That twinkle in the sombre dome of night 

When pale Selene wanes with crescent frown 

V/ithin the west, pallid with grief and rage 

Of unrequited love — her failing light 

Falling in silvery showers to the earth 

In misty tears ! Her hair is like the sunshine 

Meshed in strands of golden silk to light 

The glow upon her cheek, or hide the flash 

Of sunlit eye, just as the russet clouds 

At eventide would so obscure the gleam 

Of Hesperus with his bright twilight torch! 

Her form and features are the bloom of life 

In amorous mould and frolicking in health ! 

Halcyone. I fear I have done wrong in coming here ! 
I must be gone. I would not so have stirred 
This rage of words, the sentiments I feel 
In answer, for the charms of Aphrodite, 
Nor her winning grace ! 

Ceyx, To whom hast thou done wrong, 

Fair creature of my love? To me? Nay, then, 
If this be wrong, pray I for evil aye ! 
For I had rather feel an ill like this. 
Than revel in the bliss of drowsy ease 
Where love and friendship hold no separate part, 
And joy is found insipid, lacking taste 
Of sharp divisions and extremer sweets ! 
Disturb not, then, thy golden head with thoughts 
So drear, for thou canst do no wrong, I ween. 

Haloyone. But I must go ! 



HALCYON E. 293 

Ceyx. Nay, but thou must not go ! 

Thou .shalt come here and join us in our dance, 
And let me share thy gracious company ! 
Now that I hold thy hands, and thou my heart. 
No power can deprive me of thyself 
Till I have taught thee love, and how restore 
My own to me again ! or fitter meed, 
In love's requital so return to me 
Thine own ; for I will cherish and regard 
The gift as sacred as the dole of life. 

Nereides. Fie! fie! He hath deserted us for one 
Whom we would scorn to think an equal here! 
A mortal and an earthly maid with scope 
Of life confined within a bound ! A bloom 
That sooner yet will fade! What judgment rare! 

Proteus. But fair. 

Triton. Divinely fair, I must declare : 

And heart, I wis, that 's true — 

A Nereid. A brittle thing! 

Dust! dust! A thing to crumble in the hand 
Of Time ere plastic art hath moulded grace 
To last, or Youth hath brought it to the bloom 
Of Promise found in ripened womanhood ! 
And we are bid adieu for such ! 

Chorus of Nereides. Ye Gods ! 

And our diviner graces are thus mocked 
And set aside for her! 

^G^ON. There 's reason here. 

Chords of Nymphs. And we whom he called fortli from sea 
and lea, 
And woodland grottoes, find ourselves despised! 
Our company neglected for a maid 



294 H ALCYONE. 

Begot of Storm and Gloom ; who scampers out 
Within our sunny glades to steal a ray 
To lighten thus the darkness of her home! 

Hespekides. Our brother but invites : he will return 
And give his heart to those more worthy it. 

Nereides. He will ? He may ! Behold the Youth and Maid 
Engrossed within themselves ; oblivious of all 
The world save scope of each and bonds of love ! 
We were his fellow-voyagers ; we brought 
Him here, guiding his craft in trusty waters, — 
Free pilots of the Deep, because so bid 
By duty and by love ! and now we find 
We are repaid by treachery and scorn ! 
Away with sentiment ! let Hate preside ! 

Satyrs. Bravo ! bravo I 

Hesperides. But fairest nymphs — 

Chorus of Wood Nymphs. Bravo ! 

Ye do but what our pride would bid us do. 

Nereides. We'll to the Nautilus and bid farewell 
To him that knoweth not the meed of worth. 

Hesperides. But ye, the gods of sea ? — 

Chorus of Sea Gods. We came with them, 

With them we go ; and in their rage we find 
Much reason, since we know the part they took 
In favoring this youth who lightly scorns. 

ITheygo. 

[ The Nereides and Sea Gods repair towards the ship ; the other 
Nymphs, with the Satyrs aiid Pan, retire into the woods, singing.'] 

Satyrs. The way of love is strange : 
Its happiness an art : 



HALCYON E. 295 

And boundless is its range, 
Thougli centered in the heart. 
A sweet, a bitter smart 
Together in its source, lie close ; 
The one awake, — 
But by turns the other stirs, of course. 
Some brittle bond to break, 
Or heart-string quake ! 

Ha ! ha ! Give us the cheer 

Of plainer friendship meek ! 
Your love is all too drear 
For goal of what we seek ! 
No jealousy can speak 
With tongue of what our souls desire, 

Or pay the due 
God owes to life and its bursting fire, 
That gives a lively hue 
To fellowship and crew! 

Chorus of Nymphs. Love is scorned ! love is scorned I Hate 
breaketh restraint; 
The floodgates of Rage are wide for complaint! 
And Envy and Malice, and Jealousy, too. 
Await but the word of the envious crew 
To tear, to tear, to tatter and tear ! 

Earth Sprites. Let it come ! let it come ! We '11 await the 

onset ! 
Like the froth of the sea, drops the slobber of fret ! 
See the nymphs with their hair tangled, angry and wet. 
And the prow of their ship by the gods duly set? 

Away ! away ! let them speed, speed away ! 

Hesperides. O brother, see what thou hast done ! The nymphs 
Of Ocean, angered, now are gone and left 
Thee to thy journey all alone. The " Foul," 
May Nereus yet be known and not " Serene," 



296 H ALCYONE. 

When he hast learnt how thou wouldst treat the love 

Of his fair daughters, whom e'en gods espouse 

As worthy their celestial homes and loves ! 

Poseidon hath possessed himself of one ; 

And will he not offended be at thy 

Rank arrogance ? nay, may he not now heap 

Inflictions on thy head that shall bring low 

Its crown unto the dust? Thou purblind one, 

What hast thou done, led on by that frail thing 

That stands beside thee to entice thy ruin ! 

Thy arrogance must fall ! The gods decreed 

That such should never boast vain man of earth 

Above his rank with proud impunity ; 

Nor strengthen yet audacity of fool, 

Who know'th no measurement of finite force. 

As shade that flitteth by, thy chance of preferment is past 

And thou art profitless, or worse, since that 

Instead of gain of good, thy gain is ill, 

And venom is reward of unrequited love ! 

Go hence ! we will not share thy company, 

Nor so incur the wrath we can not meet, 

By harboring thee and thine against the wmII 

Of those to anger roused ! If thou canst love 

The creature at thy side more than the trust 

And honor of the gods, Nereides' love 

Or sisters care, take her and get thee gone ! 

Ceyx. But, sisters dear — 

^GLE. Enough : go ! 

■^ Halcyone. Can not I, 

The cause of all, say something in defence? 

Hesperides. Nay, stop ! we will not prate ; so leave at once ! 
We go to loose the Dragon now ! Ill fares it then 
To those upon these shores without our care ! 
Farewell : and bear remembrance hence of what 



HALCYONE. 297 

Ye here deserved and what we meted you ! 

\_Exeunt Hesperides. 

[ The Dragon roars. The Sea Gods shout with evil laughter.'] 

Ckyx. What shall we do? In vain to try combat 
A monster such as he ! — But, let him come ! 

Halcyone. Ah ! noble Ceyx! Is this thy proof of love 
For me ? this rash desertion of thy friends ? 
And this more heedless plight of safety here 
Within the Dragon's teeth ? And hadst thou rather brave 
The dangers now with me than join the Nymphs 
In yonder Nautilus, where pleasures wait 
And dangers can not come? 

Ceyx. And dost thoii doubt. 

Fair one ? I never knew more than the tale 
Of love, or its sick fancy's dream, till here 
I had met thee, thou sunbeam of my heart ! 
And I had rather die in this transport 
Of love that now o'erflows my soul in tide 
Of fire, than to have lived forever in deceit 
Of that I never knew ! Within the heart's 
Full joy the soul is brave, the will is quick, 
The arm is strong and able to defend ! 
I fear the Dragon not, though he had stings 
As countless and more deadly than the Hydra's, 
And each reanimating when so clipped 
As that fell monster's heads! Nay, though each head 
An hundred eyes contained as sleepless as the orbs 
Of Argus, fixed in vigil so ! Let those 
That are offended go : — I have thee left ! 
And though I meant no harm to them, nor less 
Esteemed their worth in loving thee, I must confess 
That if to gain thy love I should give all 
A cause of rankest enmity, I would 
So set the world at naught in the exchange ! 



298 HALCYON E. 

Halcyone. I do not tempt thy love, brave Ceyx, nor faith ; 
I only speak to revel in the hot, 
Sweet declaration such calls forth from thee ! 
Yet I am mortal, love, and my poor charms 
Will some day vanish like the flower's blush, 
To leave me withered up and faded sear ; 
Whilst yonder Nymphs in youthful freshness will 
Forever linger, blessing those around 
With bloom of life! — Hast thou forgotten this? 

Geyx. I, too, am mortal, daughter of the Wind ; 
And it behooves me not while in this world 
To link with immortality. Eos 
Did instance futile hope like this when that 
Her prayers made Titlionus, her lord, immortal, 
Yet a withering thing of age. Therefore ■ 
I deem it wise to link with her I love. 
In that we are so suited each to each ; 
To bloom alike or fade ! For sure thee now : 
That we were for each other born, the Fates 
Have sure decreed ; for mark thee that our tastes 
Are like ; we fall into a train of thought 
Inseparable, and we feel the need 
Of each to each : therefore to leave thee, then, 
Were thwarting Love's intent and letting frost 
Of fear, for lack of will of hope, so blast 
The bloom of life — we both to pine, wanting 
A better half! If we were not to love 
And mate, why met we so ? and why the fling 
Of Eros that hath stung us both ? Urge me 
No more to leave thy side ! Persuasion hath 
Its force, but never yet stood such between 
The union of two souls that truly loved. 

Halcyone. Thou mayst regret thy choice. 

Ceyx. That day will do 

For all complaint. But, see ! The Dragon is 



H ALCYONE. 299 

Unloosed ! He comes ! He roars as full of hate I 
Go ! hie thee hence, whilst I engage the beast ! 
He shall not harm my love ! 

Halcyone. Thou shall not fall 

A victim to the Dragon's fangs ! For in 
A contest thou alone art vulnerable, 
Since Fate has so decreed that none save Heracles 
Shall overcome the beast. If thou art killed, 
What will thy Halcyone do ? Or how can she 
Console herself when so bereft? Forbear! 
Firm thou mayst feel, and truly so in mien. 
That bids defiance to thine enemies! 
But this can not — must never be ! Nay! nay! 
Thy prowess here is little use to me, 
Save but to show the face of valiancy ! 
Hast thou forgotten now my slaves? the Winds? 
Then surely thou knoweth naught of them ! the force 
They so control ; the realm in which they move ! 

Come, Zephyr, gay! 
Come, Eurus, bright ! 
Bring swiftest wings for airy flight 
Away, away ! 

The Dragon roars ! 
His chains are off! 
He comes with death ! Bear us aloft! — 
He roars ! he roars ! 

On yonder crag 
Of lofty rock. 
We can withstand his frightful shock! 
Pray do not lag ! 

Let hammock bear 

Us two to-day : 
This youth we '11 help upon his way — 
Our safety share ! 



300 HALGYONE. 

Be quick ! The Brute 
Is at our heels ! — 
Farewell ! — I wonder how he feels? — 
His tongue is mute ! 

[7%e Winds, EuRUS and Zephyk, seise on a hammock of grasses, and 
placing Ceyx and Halcyone thereon, hear them to the lofty crag, 
beyond the Dragon's reach?^ 

Come ! slaves, again ; 
Nor tarry thus : 
Go roll yon silv'ry cloud to us, — 
We 're safer then ! 

For in its fold 
We would so ride 
Within thy ocean's billowy tide, 
To father's wold. 

Zephyr and EuRUS. We go, dear mistress, to do thy will ; 
Yon fleecy Nephele we '11 fill 

With all our breath ! 
Be thou and thine all cheerful here ; 
We'll roll the silvery Chariot near. 
And thwart old Death! 
[ They go circling through the air toward the cloud. 

Ceyx. We gaze upon the world with vision clear ! 
How changed the phase of life when all aloof 
One so beholds the things that there disturbed ! 
Like pigmies frightened, or swift moving ants. 
The creatures of the sphere are here and there 
In quick succession, and the motive dark 
That so incites, did not experience tell. 
Fear is the prompter of the human heart, 
And epileptic are his fits to eyes 
Which know him not! and Rage would counterfeit 
His acts, if we may judge from those below! 



H ALCYONE. 801 

The Nymphs and Sea Gods dance upon the deck 
Of my swift Nautilus as if the craft 
Were theirs: — the angry faces of them all 
Upturned in hatred to its master here ! 
Awhile ago I deemed them friends, and sat 
Within their midst, and stroked the hair that now 
Is tangled by the fingers that would clutch 
My throat! Swift is the smile of friendship and 
The grasp of love ! — And then my sisters, too ! 
Hesperides, may I disown ye hence. 
Who have a brother's love cast to the winds 
To favor enemies of him and you ! 

Halcyone. Oh turn thine eyes about! 
Look to my slaves ! 
I hear their cheerful shout: — 
Behold the waves ! 

Like Titans full of strength, 

With breath so strong. 
They sweep the Cloud's full length : — 

It moves along ! 

They come ! they come ! They lift 

On shoulders broad ; 
And undulations swift 

Of air accord. 

O Nephos, brother dear ! 

Lend us thy car, 
And from this land so drear 

We'll journey far! 

Sea God {from beneath). What power is that? 

Nereid. 'Tis iEolus' true ! 

Sea God. No just fiat 

Would aid the two ! 



302 HALCYONE. 

Amphitrite. Consort if I e'er shall be 
To Poseidon of the wave, 
He shall hearken to my plea, — 

Wreck the god that would them save ! 

All. Lock within his gloomy cave 

Father of this scornful maid ! 
Teach the Youth what friendship gave I — 
Scorn of love is so repaid ! 

Hesperides. Most wonderful of things yet seen ! 
The Di'agon in h is wrath defied ! 
What can the Powers above now mean? 
The guilty youths are not denied 
Means of escape, means of escape! 

[Zephyr and EuRUS roll up the cloud chariot to the waiting loversJ^ 

Zephyr and Eurus. We have rolled to thee the chariot: see? 
Within its downy fold 
A place of rest, an eyrie nest 
For thee and thine so bold. 

Now mount the cloud, and in its shroud, — 

Which is not one of death ! — 
Wrapt hearts so dear, all filled with cheer — 

We '11 waft you on our breath ! 

Ceyx and H Alcyone {mounting the chariot). 

To the land away, so bright and gay, 

We'll set our sail to drift; 
And so farewell, Hesperia's dell: — 

We thank thee for thy gift ! 

Swiftly and gently through the ambient sky. 
We sail as the swallow that skims the clear lake ; 

The isles of the sea as in glee flitting by: — 
The shores of Hesperia lie now in our wake I 



HALCYON E. H03 

The sunbeams that glint from our cumulose mass, 
In raj'S thousand hued, iridescent are cast! 

Like a jewel we shine, and the light, as we pass, 
Illumines the world — oh, would it could last I 

Before us the heavens part as a bride's veil, 
Disclosing the blush of the dreamy-eyed mora ; 

Behind us the curtains are drawing, and pale 

Are the shadows that lurk in the vistas of Dawn ! 

So die all remembrances of the fair land 

Axenic and false, in profession so fair! 
We fain would forget thee, our heart and our hand 

Would bid thee forgive, and our favor now share. 

Winds. As o'er the seas we roam, 

In boundless range. 
We whip the waves to foam : — 

Their speech is strange ! 
We like to hear the roar 

Of pain and grief: — 
Sometimes their speech is more, — 
A story brief 
Is whispered low ! is whispered low ! 

Of wrecks and rocks and shoals, 

Charybdis and Scylla; 
Of Death and struggling souls 

Beneath the waves so far, 
Where feed the fishes foul, 

And serpents are : — 
Of Storm's and Tempest's scowl 

Which sent them there, — 
The waves do howl ! the waves do howl ! 

One we have heard so oft — 

But shall we tell ? 
Why should we bear aloft 

And break the spell 



304 HALCYON E. 

Of rapture such as this, 

With tale so low ? 
Break not such perfect bliss ! 

Let rumor go ! 
The chance we miss ! the chance we miss ! 

Halcyone. What mean ye slaves ? What dark report 
Hangs guiltily upon your tongues which dare 
Not give it breath ? We listen, slaves ! 

A Voice. The Breath is subtile, fine! 

The Breath is substance of thy servant there ! 

It fills creation ; it wraps the boundless 

In its breezy folds ! 'T is one of the Four ! — 

The All Encompasser! 

It whispers secrets; yet none can tell 

A story told ! 

And none can doubt ! 

Its bosom swells with each report, 

And on its breath the ear depends: — 

Yet who will call it blab! 

Though prate it does of every ill and joy, 

Sweet harmony becomes it best! 

Slander is fellow, too, as well as Praise! — 

And, also. Lie and Truth ! 

Another Voice. Oh, listen, listen 
To the tale of Wissen ; 
Watch not the glisten 

Of the Ocean wave ! 
The Truth is hollow. 
And the Lie doth follow 
In the train of Choler, 

To the end and the grave ! 

jEcHO. In the sacred dell lives my voice to tell 
In sad reverberations of its wrong : 



HALCYON E. 305 

As a sounding bell tolling now a knell, 
Oh listen to my doleful words and song. 

Nar-ci-o! Nar-ci-o ! Gull-like are my words ! 
Awake the foolish youth to know that like the soaring birds, 
Wilt my tale be e'er borne, 
Upward till his heart of scorn 
By repentance sore is torn ! 

A Voice. Narcissus was a foolish youth. 
Knowing naught of ill or ruth, 
Learning but this little truth : — 

Vanity must die ! 
In the wave he found his love ! 
Strayed he in the woodland cove, — 
Now alone the turtle-dove 

Heaves a parting sigh ! 

Echo {more sadly). Youth of the Lily born. 

Why wilt thou scorn 
Her who doth love thee more than words can tell ? — can tell! 

How canst thou be so tart? 

Ha&t thou a heart? 
Oh I love me ! love me ! for I love thee \}e\\\—thee well! 

A seer hath said of thee : 
"A dreadful thing will be 

When he himself shall see! " — 
Remember ! remember ! remember well ! 

Since first I saw thee, love. 

In woodland cove. 
Where thou the horny stags would thence impel — impel; 

My love so boundless grew — 

My spirit new — 
Requite in measure what my heart would tell? — would tell! 

That spirit deep is wrung; 

My gayest words are sung! 

21 



306 H ALCYONE. 

Daughter of Air and Tongue, 
Remember! remember! remember well! 

A limpid brook I see ! — 

Beside it we : — 
Thou smiling on thy shadow, I in tears! —in tears! 
"Alas ! " thou criest in fear ; 

I, Echo, near ! 
And waters sweep away all that so cheers ! — so cheers ! 

Thou reachetb out to seize — 

The shadow quickly flees ! 

And bears the passing breeze, 
" Remember ! remember ! remember sneers ! " 

When Naiads come for thee ; 

Beneath yon tree 
They'll find alone a flower faded dim!— /acZec? dim! 

Thyself will be a weed ! 

Predestined meed 
Of arrogance and love that is a whim — a whim I 

No tears can then allay 

The grief that sisters may 

Feel for thee on that day ! 
Remember ! remember that Fate is grim ! 

Halcyone. Ceyx, what means the outcry we haveheard ' 
Who bore the love, and who the scornful youth 
That let a trusting soul so pine away ? 
Methought that love would conquer every thing ! 
Yet Vanity hath set this Love at naught; — 
If voice we heard and Echo speak the truth ! 

Ceyx. Love is a god, yet passion rules him much ; 
And Vanity is able to hoodwink 
E'en Wisdom's self, when that the eye hath caught 
Its fair repose, or ear hath heard the speech 
Of Flattery unseasoned by the truth. 
The story briefly is: A foolish nymph, 



HALCYON E. 307 

Whose voice was wonder of the cove and dell, 

Became enamored of a handsome youth, 

Whom Flattery had led within her way 

In search of pool to glass his image in. 

He hung above the limpid waters, there 

Bestowing all the love his nature gave, — 

So sparse it was of what is good in life, 

And what is sweet beyond a sordid self ! 

She hung about him, catcliing every sigh 

He heaved in his self-craze, returning each 

With cooing music of her own desires; 

The which awakened deeper passion then 

Within each heart, — he, hearing in her voice 

Eeturn of selfish love as from the wave. 

She, that such hopelessness did strengthen love ! 

In transport fell he in the waves to drown ! 

Her voice now wanders o'er the earth— a sound ! 

A weed now stands in memory of both, 

Narcissus is it called, narcotic too. 

Its essence, which would tell us yet this truth : 

Poor Vanity is stupid, and its worth 

Is but the sounding of an empty voice ! 

Halcyone. Poor Nymph! She was immortal, too, 
And must e'er live to be a dying sound. 
Repeating so in sad reverberations all 
The mocking words that men may utter now! 
Can this be true? 

Ceyx. Zeus tells us not, fair maid, 

And mortals can but guess at heaven's will. 
SuiEcient was the fate to his deserves, 
Methinks : what sayest thou ? 

Halcyone. I do not know : 

I can not answer that without a fear 
Of speaking wrong ; for though he was so wrapt 
In self, it seems a pity still ! 



308 HALCYON E. 

Ceyx. Thou fearest 

No fate like his? Thine eye is drooped in doubt 
And mayhap sees foreboding in our love? 

Halcyone. I can not tell ! — My love, forgive me! I 
Was thinking then unhallowed thoughts! Was so 
Comparing us — myself with Echo, thee 
With her vain lord ! What if thy heart forsook me, 
Would I then die of grief? or would I live 
A hollow mocking sound reproaching thee 
And thine forever more ? Forbear me that, 
Ye gods ! I would not have it so ; not though 
Thou scorned me as the loathsome thing of earth ! 
It were far nobler sure, I think, to lie 
In dumb abstraction 'mong the peaceful clods 
Of earth, than so to stir the sleep of (leath 
With human hate and its most vile unrest. 

Ceyx. Thou hast no ground for fear, and shall not have ; 
For truer never lover was to love 
Than I to thee ! 

Halcyone. 'T is gone, — the shadow has ! 

'T was but a passing thing, of substance bare ; 
With force alone to give poor doubt unrest, 
Which hardly yet can realize the bliss 
Thy love bestows, and wdiy its halting here ! 
But see ! See yonder, rising in the east 
Above the waters blue, that glinting crest, 
Which shines as day-star to the ocean round ? 
It is my father's kingdom and the home 
Of peace and love. Those lofty mountains there, 
Bright capped with snow, but screen and softly light 
The gardens at their feet, Ayhere thou and I 
Will roam in mutual peace ! Their solitude 
I know, and often have I wandered there 
Alone, then dreaming of my future love — 
And thou art he ! 



HALCYONE. 809 

Ceyx. And I will fill those paths 

With company thou canst not shake ! will bask 
Within the sunshine of the day, and the light 
Of thy more glorious eyes, which far outhue 
The flowers of the meads, however gay 
And richly dressed! Together we shall pass 
The change of Time, e'en catching his swift flight, 
Sans his old age, sans death or love's decay ! 

{^Exeunt. 



Scene II. — The Wind God's kingdom; the Mountains and the 
Dells, with Cattle in the distance. Ceyx and Halcyone and the 
cloiid-chariot. Enter JEohVQ and his train. 

MojJUB. Where hast thou been, my daughter? Welcome 
home ! 
My heart misgives me when thou art away, 
Though guarded by my slaves ; for thou art light 
To mine old heart and comfort of mine age. 

Halcyone. Dear father, I do give thee much distress 
With my wild acts ; yet youthful is my heart, 
And new mine eyes which much can find to see. 
Forgive it me and take me to thy heart: — 
And open too, a chamber there for this. 
My love — brave Ceyx, son of Hesperus! 

^OLUS. And thou has stolen th' heart of my sweet child I 
How lone thy father is to think of this ! 
Yet it must come thus soon or late, for thou 
Art mortal, daughter mine, though parents know 
No disembodying time ; and thou shouldst taste 
The bliss of sweet companionship and love, 
Which parents can not give. Welcome, my son. 
Though thou hast raped my fold of fairest lamb 
That gamboled in its range ! Bright Hesperus 
Is friend ; thrice welcome now his son and mine ! 



310 HALCYON E. 

What concourse of wide verging streams hath brought 
Your loves together in such mutual bliss? 

Ceyx. My home is to the east ; my lands lie where 
The roaring waves of the ^gean sea 
Leap and befroth the cliffs ; my mission west, 
Was there to warn old Atlas of a bold, 
Ingenious man, born to subdue the world, 
And set upon his mission by a rogue ! 
Eurystheus, the vile, sent Heracles, 
Whom Fate made him obey, upon a trip 
Of rape and devastation, and the point 
Was garden of Hesperia, whose fruit 
The base king wished, though such are pledged and grow 
For gods alone, — the taste too fatal here 
To mortals of this earth. I Avas to warn 
Old Atlas and inform th' Hesperides, 
My sisters, to be ever on their guard 
And keep the Dragon well in train. I met 
Thy daughter there : my mission was forgot ! 
I only now remember that the wrath 
Of sisters and of Ocean nymphs forbade 
My further sojourn there ; — the why I do 
Not ask : — and then thy daughter and her Winds 
Rescued and brought me here. 

Halcyone. I and thy slaves 

Had wandered there — they bearing me aloft 
To scan the beauties of the world. I saw 
The peril of this youth ; my heart spoke deep 
For him whom anger of the sea gods would 
Have torn and left so, dying on the sand ; 
Abetted in the act by vile Nereides! 

iEoLUS. Ha ! Ha ! I see the drift ! 'T was jealousy I 
The sea nymphs were susceptible of looks. 
And such were turned within another line ! 
But come! my castle is at hand; we '11 there 



H ALCYONE. 311 

Enjoy the hour as though no ill had tried 

To brook the pleasure of life's peaceful course. 

\_He leads the way to the castle. 

Ceyx. What art has been at work ? The castle stands 
Within a grotto, bosomed as a nest 
Within the lofty mountains whose great arms 
Encircle it about, the giant trees 
To bob and bow it from above : a stretch 
Of main thence sloping to the restless sea, 
Flecked either side with flowers rich in hue : 
Great fountains, cataracts, and purling rills 
Here bubble bright, and splash and shoot athwart 
The vale their rainbow darts, so cooling now 
The heated atmosi^here with vapor breath ! 
The castle would outmarvel Wonder's self ! 
Huge alabaster columns, cloud-like domes 
High piled and then repiled in orderly 
Confusion! Towers, turrets, pinnacles of snow. 
Stalagmites of high Heaven's purity 
Dropped crystal here below ! a palace so 
Of ice and snow that sways as airy nothing; 
Thin, fleecy clouds all canop'ing its walls ! 
Winds romp and whistle in its corridors, 
And in their play I catch the voice of song! 

Wind Sprite, Here lives the breeze 
The swaying trees, 
When Summer's heat is come, 
Doth seize to fan 
The haunts of Pan 
And cool his woodland home. 

In languid ease 

I stir to please 
And cool the heated brow. 

While soft I play 

On harps that say 
The words of love, I trow. 



312 HALCYONE. 

In Spring my blast 

Goes rushing past — 
Bright buds 1 open then, 

And showers bring, 

And birds that sing 
Of happy hours again: 

In Autumn still 

I help to fill 
The garners of the wise ; 

I am the friend 

That sails attend — 
Etesian none despise ! 

When Winter's cold 

From hoary wold 
Doth stalk to bite and freeze, 

Old Boreas 

From icy pass 
Doth come to join my breeze ! 

No paradise 

Would man sufiice 
Without my cooling breath, 

But blast I can 

Both earth and man 
And blow all things to death ! 

^OLUS. The Wind is blithe and singeth merry notes ; 
My spacious corridors like unto throats 
Of song birds, as its mazy windings give 
Variety in warbles of sweet harmony. 
But look upon the portal ; see my slaves 
In willing readiness for all commands ? 
And those who stand with stamp of royal mien. 
Are children of my loins and dark Achlys, 
Who, in yon darker antre, broods with death. 
Where winds do howl and blow their foggy breath ! 



HALCFONE. 313 

Clauthmos and Claumone thou must not heed, 
For fretful were they born, — the types of tears ! 
Come, Nephos of the flying garb; come fetch 
Thy slaves, and bid thy brother welcome here! — 
For brother he must be, or else our fold 
Is robbed of all its light! Thy sister here 
Is so betrothed to him. Back, Notus! hence! 
Or bring a kindlier face with thee! Where is 
Old Boreas? 

Boreas. O Changeable, 't is here 

I stand beside and ready for thy word. 

^OLUS. Bid all thy fellows come to welcome home 
Fair Halcyone and her love. 

Notus. Welcome, 

Fair mistress ; I am pleased with thee and thine ! 

Boreas. Thou wilt have consort worthy any love; 
For I have seen his peoples and his lands, 
And know whereof he comes ; what blood doth course 
His veins; and thereby gods may swear ; for pure 
And from descent of Zeus it flows ! 

Nephos. Well said 

My hoary friend ; for Hesperus doth boast 
His lineage. Now let me add a word, 
My new found brother, to the welcome spoke : 
My sister is the life of this our home; 
Thrice welcome then is any one she loves, 
Though naught within himself inspired a worth ! 
But thou art worthy, and thy cheer will add 
To brighten with her smile the hearts around. 

Ceyx. I am too full for words: upon thy breast 
I best could sob it out ! To have her love 
Is bliss unspeakable ; then add to that 
The welcome I receive — my heart misgives 
Me sure ; or else sweet pleasure's well is all 
Unfathomable ! 



314 HALCYON E. 

Halgyone. 'Tis true, my Ceyx, true! 

My people welcome and my slaves give cheer. 
And thou no more shall hear the cry of hate, 
Or see the sneers of mocking enemies ; 
Since here protection is, and love and friends. 

^OLUS. My daughter, right! Here Achlys, add thy word 
In consummation of thy daughter's happiness. 

Achlys. In Heaven's scowl I live ; naught can I give 
In cheer to that which now is bright and light ! 
My gloom is soul of mist, my whole is gist 

Of elements that blight, — that blight and bite! 

How can I give good cheer, when all too drear 
My nature and my heart do throb and smart ! 

Let others welcome him. It is my whim 
To play this darker part ; conceal my art ! 

^OLUS. Away with thee ! Hide in thy antre dark ! 
Let winds of misery whine wails within thine ears, 
And storm sprites spit their grief upon thy head ! 
Clauthmos, come ! Claumone, speak what thy heart 
Suggests to thee. 

Claumone. Weeping, weeping o'er such bliss ; — 
Daughter am I of Achlys ! 
Who can welcome with good cheer 
Whilst our mother weeps so near? 

Clauthmos. Let the youths remember this: 
'Tis the household of Achlys: — 
Would they turn the mother out? 
Drown her cries with laughter, shout ? 

^OLUS. Go join thy mother! add unto her wails ! 
Dominion here is mine, and love is guest ! — 
Ho, slaves and caterers! a feast, a feast! 
Throw wide the banquet hall and deck its sides 



HALGYONE. 315 

With garlands that poor art must needs despair. 
Let ceilings sparkle with the gems of Night 
Resplendent with the dreamy rays of morn ; 
Let candelabra blaze the noon-day sun : 
Reverse the clepsydras and halt old Time ! — 
A feast, a feast ! a royal feast for thee ! 

[^Exeunt. 



Scene III. — In the Castle's garden. Enter ^OLUS. 

^OLUS. My daughter loves and is beloved. I know 
Not what to say. He 's worthy, but my loss 
Doth bother me. Stay ! Why my loss ? What need 
For any loss? They are my children both, 
And will with me abide. — 'Tis settled so! — 
Decendant now of Zeus to wed my child, 
Well honoring, too, his parentage — 'tis well! 
I would have chosen such a mate for her. 
So deeming it her due. Alliance thus 
With Zeus by mating his with mine is strong. 
And some day I may need the strength. All good ! 
The Fates do favor me ! And then, again. 
The kingdom of proud Hesperus will thus 
Re joined to mine ; when Wind and Stars will seek 
Like destinies; be moved to mutual ends! — 
Again 'tis well ! This sunny child of mine 
Is wise of choice ! Could I have mated her 
So well if choice were left to me? 'Tis full 
As well at least! But then Nereides 
Are angry I am told, and Nereus 
Hath broken now his calm (which irksome was 
To me), and hence will ruffle seas with hate ! 
E'en to the pitch of wrath he 's moved, I hear ! 
Ha ! ha! " Serene " is " Foul " and Love is Taunt I 
So Jealousy is stronger far than Love, 
And can incite the feebler one to arms : — 



316 HALCYONE. 

To battle with the soul of all its cheer ! 
Ha! ha! But what care I? or why should such 
Disturb their youthful hearts? 'Tis poverty 
Indeed that finds no enemy ! Poh ! pshaw ! 
Can not I sweep the Ocean with my Winds? 
E'en drown old Stupid and his daughters there 
Beneath his own wild waves? He hath no force, 
The old gray-beard, and dotes upon his calm ! 
Let him enjoy it and so hold his peace ! 
Poseidon hath espoused one of his maids, — 
But then Poseidon now would scorn to help 
A king who helps divide his Ocean realm. 
Nereides would Ceyx now espouse ! 
Let them consort with others, not with him 
My daughter loves. Ha! ha! I 'm young again 
In this affection of my child ! Make haste 
The nuptials! — But Achlys! Why her gloom? — 
Away with doubts : the day is full of light ! 

[ He wanders to a grotto in the 'woods ; a Sibyl appears.~\ 

Sibyl. Ho, ^olus! I would a word with thee. 

^EOLUS. Who calls? and what imports? Speak yet again! 

Sibyl. King tEoIus, thou art a god, and I 
A faded mortal, despicable so 
Within myself; yet thus it was decreed 
That I should have god-prophesying tongue ! 
And I can tell thee now that which 'twere best 
That thou shouldst know, if thou wilt lend thine ear. 

^OLUS. Speak, hag ; thou hast mine ear. But yet be brief, 
For pleasures wait upon my quick return, 
And jocund Love would bid me so make haste 
To join his feast and cheer. What now forbodes? 

Sibyl. Thy mind dwells now upon thy daughter's lot: 
The fortunes of thy Halcyone and her love? 



HALCYON E. 317 

^OLUS. What hast thou, hag, to say of them ? 

Sibyl. Hist !— This : 

Thou seest not the end, nor yet beginning here! 
Prevent their union: much may such avert! 
Now listen sharp, thou king of Winds and Storms : 
I speak no prattle, and my tongue is true ! . 
Bedimmed thou mayst think my sight, but eye 
Was never clearer in prophetic range ; 
And this much I see plainly: — Yes, the youths 
Are noble born ; all will this grant: from loins 
Of gods e'en are they both descended here — 
One from the All Supreme, and one from thee. 
Who claims a like descent. But know and heed: 
The course of their love-wedded lives will not 
Run rippleless; nay, will not so smoothly glide 
As th' least concerned might wish ! The silvery stream 
Doth glide through sandy channels meeting naught 
To mar its gentle flow ; so doth a perfect life ! 
But others like some angry torrent, mountain pent, 
Whose bed is midst the rocks and clefts of nature's rug- 

gedness, 
Doth flood and bubble, hiss and foam and leap 
The barriers of hate in cataracts 
Of froth and trouble, marking thus the ebb 
Of life, and madly rushing on to death ! 
I fear me so will thine ! Thou art a god. 
But they are only mortals; semblant gods! 
Then, linkest thou the destinies of Peace 
And Storm ? and hopest thou from such a union calm ? 
Take heed, king : I tell thee to beware ! 

^OLUS. Say, art thou done, thou bodeful hag? Thy speech 
Comes glibly and thy tongue seems oiled with ruth. 
But thiukest thou that I am dolt and blind, 
And can not see as much of this as thou ? 
Conceited wisdom maketh fools ! The fool 



318 H ALCYONE. 

Hath cars for every wild report, sees fate 
III ev'ry falling leaf, hears wise prognos 
From winds that sigh among the leafless trees ; 
Disturbs his peace and slumber with the ghost 
Of thought, the lie of restless dreams, the cant 
Of noisy tongiies that cackle magpies deaf ! 
Give me no more the terror of thy thoughts; 
The vain unprofitable speech of fear, 
That wildly guesses in its reason's fright. 
When did it come that gods decreed should know 
Less then the mortals they create of earth ? 

Sibyl. They do not, mighty king, save when the Fates 
Whose set decrees all feel, decree it so ! 
Thus mortals may here see what gods can not; 
E'en things which may them wreck. Too long with me 
Hath second-sight now been to so mistake 
Portents, or fail to note the tide that onward sweeps 
To misery and death. I am no fool. 
And thou art wrapt in thy deceit and feareth 
Truth, which feigns not, though gloom of night may take 
The place of day and drown the rays of hope 
Within the blackened depths of wild despair! 
I could now tell to thee what all I see 
In future for thy child. The fret and sting, 
The pain and death — but thou wilt give no ear ! 
Nor will I further so distress the god 
Who does not seek to know ! Again, beware ! 

tEolus. Hag, pain and death and frets and sting of ills. 
Are lot of every life begot of earth. 
And whoso is here born expects the due 
Existence so entails ! The fool would hug 
In his delusion such exemption here 
As would his fancy please, not knowing dull 
Inanity is sum of such reward ! 
For pleasure is by contrast and sweet bliss 



H ALCYONE. 319 

Is but the resting of a weary soul. 
If thou couldst see so much with thy probe eyes, 
Thou had seen this; and further, that I will 
No warning take of thee, and that my child 
Will wed. Why warn me further then ? 

Sibyl. In truth, 

But to relieve my conscience, mighty king. 
Forewarned, the fault is thine, not mine. 

^OLUS. Enough ; 

So get thee to thy cave ! I do not care 
For boding shadows of a mind distraught. 
Life is too full of evils that are real, 
Of pangs that stir the lips to anguish wails 
That well nigh ears of sympathy confound 
In rendering deeds of mercy : wherefore crowd 
Imagined ills upon the real ? drown voice 
Of need with cry of puling cowardice ? 

Sibyl. I have performed my duty : heed me not. 
Or heed me as thou wilt. If thou defiest 
The Fates, thou wilt do more than all the gods 
Have done. Save so the youths — they need thy aid ! 
Though light of heart, too gloomy is their way ! 



^OLUS {-watching her vanisliing form). 
The fool would frighten me ! 

A Voice. Ho, ^olus ! 

-lEoLUS. Whence comes the voice ? Who calls? 

The Voice. Come to the sea ; 

We would a word with thee. 

[ The god gees.'] 

^OLUS. Well, I am here I 

But nothing can I see but lusty waves 
That beat my rocky shores, as wild and wroth 



\_Exit. 



320 HALCYON E. 

As foolish man whose temper is unloosed 

In passion's ire, to rue it in the end. 

Who spoke? Ye gulls, sweeping the waves and th' brink 

Of Heaven upon your soaring wings, with cries 

That stir the gloom of earth in the conceit 

That its own wails of dreaded doom is heard — 

Say, was it ye who called to me ? Raise then 

Your voice above the roar of seas and speak 

Again. The Sibyl hath prepared me for 

The ominous cries of any lying tongue 

That speaks distempers to the faith of man ! — 

[J. tirnrrvpet blows. 
A trumpet sure, — a trumpet ! Then 't was not 
A gull, or yet the waves that called to me ! 
Is Triton near? Who holds his wreathed horn? 
I catch the sound of dolphin flap ! I see 
A bubble floating there which may be him ! 
Sea-horses, too, and chariots built of shells. 
All plunging in the froth ! Hey, Proteus? 
What would ye on my coast? 

Pkoteus. For divers things: 

We come with tidings that concerneth thee. 

JEOLUS. What tidings can ye bring of interest 
To him ye have abused? Yonr falseness is 
Now known to me ; and friendship which ye broke 
So gaps between us here, which, ere rebridged, 
Must hear apology in full for all 

The cause of breach. What meant your rage against 
My daughter and her love ? 

Proteus. Another time 

For that. I 'm come to speak of other things : 
To now demand for Nereus, benign 
And justest god of sea, that thou return 
To him his due ; and gran test not to son 
Of Hesperus thy hospitality. 



H ALCYONE. 321 

uEoLUS. Such mission is in vain. Wliy should I lieed 
The whimpers of some dotage? Go and tell 
The Grizzle Beard I owe him naught, and am 
In humor to repay in full. The youth 
Is guest of mine, and never yet have I 
Abused the name of host; and will not now. 
Is this Hesperia? And do ye think 
Your foolish whims can turn me, God of Winds, 
As they did silly maids of Hesperus, 
To do a thing discreditable, base; 
Unworthy name of sister, or of brute? 

Proteus. My tongue knows not the speech apology 
Would make ; nor came I here to hear abuse ! 
Good Nei-eus hath a grief, which thou canst heal ; — 
Thou wilt no balm apply? So be it then! 
Poseidon will make known his wrath ; for such 
Thou hast incurred! What the Supreme can do, 
Thou best shouldst know ! 

^OLUS. I fear it not ; and I 

Say now to thee : no longer care I to converse 
With vassals yet of either king ! So get 
Ye hence and stir their wrath to highest pitch, 
Till like a frothy wave of their own realm, 
They burst to scatter all their rage in mist, 
Or foam, or tear.s, bedewing their own breasts! 
To you I'll speak no more. [Exit. 

Triton. Say, vassals we ? 

Proteus. He calls us vassals, but he knoweth not 
The strength of all our arms ! 'T is easy now 
To anger and the fool is quick to flout, 
Unheeding so the value of a friend: 
The wise will weigh the cost of every word. 
And calculate the ills it takes to mend 
The breaches made by every ranting lout! [^Exeunt. 

22 



322 H ALCYONE. 

Scene iv. — Within a boughed Grove, near an Optn Temple. 

Chloeis {in hough, singing). 

My love sat under a hollen tree, 

Singing songs to me ; 
My love was as gay as gay could be. 
And I was joyous, free. 

My love did then so gently woo, 
Filling my head with words ; 

His promises are yet to do — 
Sung he as the birds? 

Zephyr {stealing in behind). 

My love was a little doubting love, 

Taunting her lover true ! 
Now nestling as a turtle-dove, 
Bristling now with rue ! 

Chloris. I did not doubt thy love, sweetheart! 

Zephyr. Thy song belied thee then ! 

Chloris. Ah, thou shouldst learn poor woman's art — 

Zephyr. 'Tis free of riddles — when? 

[Enter a ivood nymph, singing.'] 
Nymph. Brightly broke the morning's ray; 

Fairer never shone the day: 
Good precursor of the fate 
Of my mistress and her mate. 
Who do join their lives to-night: — 
May their paths be ever bright! 

I Enter iEoLUS.l 
^OLUS. 'Tis come ! The day was fair, and silently 
The night hath crept upon it unawares. 
Flinging its sable folds about the blushing light, 
Kissing the rosy cheek till pale it dies, 
And darkness all alone remains, save torches that 
Astrseus lights as watches of the night, 



HALCFONE. 323 

That Eos sluill awake betime to dawn. 

There stands the temple; there the altar spread 

With offerings to the gods; and sacred fumes 

Do float upon the air. All now but wait 

The coming of the guests, the nuptial feast. — 

The adytum is closed ! What doth this mean ? 

And where is Hesperus, and Atlas, too, 

And all the gods Olympus could send out 

To grace a marriage feast? And Hymen, where? 

Now surely word was borne to them ! Then why 

Their absence or delay in coming here? 

Not e'en a Ganymede to serve the feast! — 

Some ominous things I've seen this day, though fair! 

I like it not! I would they all would come. 

\_Enter Eros.] 
Eros. The youths are ready and impatient grown : 
Shall bid them come ? 

^OLUS. Come ? That doth fill my soul 

With gruesome thoughts ! Come ! sayest thou ? Where 

are 
The guests? Seest here the likeness of a god? 
Come? Where is Hymen nnd the choir of love? 
Who else alone of all the gods can wed 
Two lives in perfect bliss? is given grace 
To bind in holiness the loves of man ? 
Come? Wait! Away with love's impatience ; 
Let Heaven's set decree be known! — Ho, Winds! 
Away! Learn why the gods delay the time ! 

\_Entery^l^-DS, at his call.'] 
Zephyr. Where to, my king ? 

-^OLUS. To high Olympus, where 

The gods assemble : I would know their will. 

Eros. Great King, impatience is the mark of minds 
Of lowly birth ; and so becomes not gods. 



324 HALCYON E. 

Some business waits decision of the Great, 
And conclave so is held; and this delay 
Portends the gods awake to duties all. 
Recall thy winds ; let aimless missions go, 
And banish all thy fears. 1 am the God 
Of Love, and Hymen knows no more of this 
Than I. My mother, too, is here, and she 
Will add her word to mine to bless the youths. 

[Enter Ceyx and Halcyone, Aphrodite and attendants.'] 

Ceyx. Have we thy blessings. King of Winds and Storms? 
Our hearts now wait the bond of union here, 
And sanction of thyself. 

Halcyone. Dear father, speak 

It now ! 

Aphrodite. Love doth redeem the soul of man 
And raise him nearer God, whose es^^ence true 
Is love itself! Ethereal flames of such 
Hath fired these mortals here, and I beseech 
Thee, mighty King of Passion's realm, to grant 
Them leave and time to join their mortal flames 
In high deific fire ! 

^OLUS. I would I knew 

The will of Zeus and his Olympic host! 
My heart is with the youths ; persuasion lies 
That way: — I must perforce give Wiiy, since wish 
Hath weakened will and love so pleads excuse ! — 
Let come the nuptials, — wisdom pleads in vain! 

Chorus of Attendants. Make ready! Time is come, 
O gracious youths! 
Consent is gained and merry is the heart 
Of love ! Make ready, and the deed is done ! 

[Exeunt. 
[Enter maids, swinging torches in their hands.] 



H ALCYONE. H26 

Maids. As vestal maids we come in virtue trim ; 
As vestal lights we scorn the darkened night ; 
With vestal cheer we shake the festive limb, 
And join our voices in our soul's delight.. 

Our hair is wreathed with laurel leaves and bloom; 

Our waists are giixled with a span of gold; 
Our hearts are free of any fear of doom ; 

The reason of our coming soon is told ! 

\_Enter a gilded chariot.'] 
Attendants. Here is a golden car! within, the bride ! 
As spider meshed these tapestries, her heart 
Is tangled so and bound ! and by her side 
The groom, so reveling in love's sweet art ! 

The jewels of bright nature sparkle here ; 

And rainbow colors bind the youths as one; 
Thie lutes and cymbals speak the notes of cheer, 

And tell the victory that love has won. 

\^Enter troops of men with flutes, cymbals, etc.'] 
Pipers. We come, we come, to join our loves we come ! 
We come to altars spread and holy shrines ! 
We sing, we sing, with joyous hearts we sing ; 
We sing that love his tetters here entwines ! 
We dance, we dance, with nimble feet we dance; 
We dance to honor well this day and deed ; 
We shout, we shout, with lusty voices shout; 
We shout that faith and love can find their meed! 

Chorus. We dance, we sing, we shout ; 
We shout, we sing, we dance! 
Come trip with us, — perchance 
Love lingers here about! 

Eros. Maid of the Winds, thou comest to-day 
To marry a youth high in honor, they say : 
His heart in thy keeping will be a dear trust. 
Now guard it with honor ; esteem it as just. 



326 HALGYONE. 

The Lyres. When hearts are joined, be true ! 

Be true, be ever true ! 

Let love alone command ; 

Raise no contending hand ; 

Regard the holy band ; — 

Be true, be ever true ! 

Eros. It is the set decree of gods above, 

That human hearts shall knitted be in love ; 
That man and woman shall to each so bring 
The dearest gift of nature's offering ; 
The sex to live as one, — as Salmacis 
Found in her double-self, a two-fold bliss ! 

Chorus. When hearts are joined be true ! 

Be true, be ever true ! 

Let love alone command ; 

Raise no contending hand ; 

Regard the holy band ; — 

Be true, be ever true ! 

Aphrodite. When thou a maid unto thyself doth take. 
Remember well thy part : 
Be unto her a husband, nor forsake 

Her for another's art. 
The thing that now enticetli thee is love ; 
Nor scorn the smile that brings it from above. 
A frown may render blank that brighter hue, 
When faded lips alone will speak thy due ! 

Flutes and Cymbals. Merry, be merry and love well thy 
wife. 
Forget all thy troubles, engender no strife — 

Engender no sti'ife ; 
For such is the mood that pleases this life. 
That pleases and thrills, thrills, pleases this life ! 

We are gathering here in festal array ; 

Our flutes and our cymbals to join us in song ; 

All merry and bright and blithsome and gay — 



H ALCYONE. 327 

In throng after throng we are moving along— ^ 
AVe are moving along, 
We are moving along! 

We honor the shrine, we will honor the feast; 
We are gathing here in friendship and cheer ; ■ 
We honor the greatest, we honor the least ; — 
With Eros as guide we are drawing more near — 

Nearer and nearer. 

We are drawing more near ! 

Chorus. Merry, be merry and love well thy wife ; 
Forget all thy trouble, engender no strife — 

Engender no strife — 
For such is the mood that pleases this life — 
That pleases and thrills, thrills, pleases this life! 

\^They gather round the altar, singing, etc.'] 
Slaves. Fruits of earth we bring to thee ! 

OfF'rings of our hearts and hands! 
Garnered sweets shall ever be 
Subject to thy wise commands ! 

Torch Bearers. Hold aloft thy torches now ; 
Circle here the shrine with light ; 
lu the charmed ring allow 
Eros, fittest here to dight! 

Aphrodite with her son, 
Stands to welcome lovers there ; 

Love has mastered hearts and won 
Just consent upon the pair! 

Eros. Make way for lovers to approach ! — 

Come, Halcyone with thy love ! — 
Weave olives in her hair and broach 
Arachne's veil in folds above ! 

[Ceyx and Halcyone approach; Eros unrolls a scroll and reads:'} 
By the Fair One sprung of froth ; 
In the name of Love I join ! 



328 HALCYON E. 

Wise Athena now betroth, — 

Weld their hearts to one new born I 

Greatest Hera, let thy smile 

Rest upon these here to bless ; 

Let no scorn their hearts beguile, — 

Bless as thou alone can bless! 

Zeus will favor them I know, — 

Hymen here alone is slow I — 

In Olympian Courts ye stand 

Bound to each through Love's command ; 

Wife and husband hence to be ; — 

Peace and love eternally ! 

Chorus. Ye are joined ! ye are one ! 

And hence will abide 
Together to stem 

Life's wild rushing tide ! 
Let harmony dwell 
In hearts to help swell 
Their bulwark of cheer, 
Quelling all that is drear ! 

Through hardship and trouble 

Let ne'er a bubble 
Of envy and spite ever enter your hearts ! 

Be true each to each. 

Let no evil speech 
E'er drop that '11 breed a brood of wild smarts. 

Our blessings fall on ye ; 

Fall on ye eternally. 

. tEolus. Blessings oh my children here ! 
I the parent will give cheer ; 
Help to brighten future ways ; 
Lengthen so the sunny days 
Wherein pleasures dwell and peace; — 
Parent's love would so increase ! 
Children mine, within my land. 



HALCYON E. 829 

Welcome, and its gifts command ! — 
. Kiss di)tli seal, and here 's my hand. 

Ceyx. And she is mine? 

Halcyone. Yes, I am thine ! 

Gods would our hearts here so entwine! 

Ceyx. O Love divine! loose now tliy tongue, 
And let me speak the words that wrung 
My soul when doubt could not believe 
What now my senses can't deceive! 
Sweet Halcyone is my own ! 
Her heart is sepulchre and throne 
Of every joy and pleasure now 
Conceived or throbbed within my brow! 
My- own ! my own ! Who will deny 
Me right to love her and to die 
In service of her love ? 
Ye Gods above, 
So strengthen now iny will and arm 
That I can keep her from all harm ; 
Fulfilling so the trust ye gave to me; — 
Wliich is the sweetest duty that can be! — 
And we are man and wife ! 

joy divine, 
Give me words to define 
Emotions crowding now my bosom rife ! 
O help me in the strife, 

And so combine 
These thoughts in graceful line, 
And let them burst in songs of happy life 
Of me and mine ! 

\_Exeunt lovers, arm in arm^ 

[^The heavens darken and lightnings flash and thunders crash.'] 

^OLUS. Ho! What is this? 



330 H ALCYONE. 

Attendants. A storm ! a storm ! Look ! look ! 

Its sudden advent breathes of hate ! its breath 
Is breath of fire that scorches with its flame! 
The earth now trembles and the heavens fall ! 

Stoem Spirit. Ho! ho! I rend the earth! 
Above, my flames do lick the things of life 
That sprung from her; my thunderous bolt of strife 
Into her womb I hurl, that Birth 
May bring travails of life, 
Whose fitter meed is death, 
Than staggering breath ! 
Roaring and flashing, 

Pouring and dashing. 
Winds all contending, elements rife ; 
Thunderbolts everywhere. 

Death smiling here and there, — 
What now defending? whither is Life? 

A Voice. This ominous gloom that o'ercasts the sky 
And turns the eye of Hesperus to red, 
That prods old earth to seismic mutterings 
And groans which rise as from the wailing dead ; 
That stirs the elements to clash and flash 
In battle wild as furies fight in Hades ; 
That shakes the canopy of heavens dark — 
The sable shroud of Atlas breathing death. 
As though it were the cei'ement of all life; — 
Is but the frown of Godi> upon the rites 
But here performed without their sanction's word ! 

\_Thunders and lightnings again, followed by angry Fountains spring- 
ing up and Cataracts bursting from the mountain's ledges, ail filled 
with writhing and hissing Nymphs.^ 

Naiades. In the sprays of cataracts 
Come we forth ! 
Bursting with the fountain's smacks, 
Hear our oath ? 



HALCYON E. 

We portend destruction now ; 
Pleasures here we '11 not allow; 
Gods directed us to bow 
Heads of both ! 

Writhing, twisting in our might, 

Bob we here ; 
Seeking darkness of the night, — 

Mark our cheer! 
With our mission fully known. 
Pleasures now to all disown, 
Lovers here may feel forlorn 

And die of fear ! 

Hyades. Dropping as the tears of heaven, 
Come we not the soul to leaven ; 
Duty bids us mock the cheer 
That occasion would have here ! 

PoTAMlDS. Over, under, whirling, twirling, 

Come we downward, birling, purling, 

Eddying dismay! 
Froth upon our pallid lips; 
Foam within our hair so drips; 
Nimble in our romps and skips, — 

Hatred is our lay ! 
Over, under, whirling, twirling, 
Come we downward, birling, purling, 

Eddying dismay! 

Hither, thither, tripping, skipping 
Like Gyrini, lipping, sipping 

Chalices of hate! 
Into fragments, into tatters, 
Passion's hand so tears and scatters. 
Bidding us as like corabaters. 

Teach these lovers fate ! 
Hither, thither, tripping, skipping 
Like Gyrini, lipping, sipping 

Chalices of hate ! 



331 



332 HALCYONE. 

Terroe. Ye gods ! ye gods ! what does it all portend ? 

\^Exeunt. 



Scene V. — Another part of the Palace grounds. The Lovers prome- 
nading. 

Ceyx. All things are bright when thou art nigh, my own 1 
I heard that gloomy sights were seen last eve ; 
That following our good-night to those, our friends, 
So gathered then to witness there our bands, 
The heavens darkened and the thunders crashed, 
While lightnings played as fiends within the sky ! 
The Ocean roared and earth gaped many mouths 
Whence issued doleful words of much to come ! 
The voices so would lay it to our charge, 
And many are the guests now frightened ofi. 
Good jEoIus, it seems, is much disturbed, 
And grief reigns in his household, — save with us! 
I would not so bring sorrow on my bride ; 
Nor can I think it other than the whim 
Of vain Nereides to frighten us. 

Halcyone. Thy straying love, alone, will frighten me I 
Nereides I pity, but I fear 

No harm while here encompassed with thy love, 
Which shields as brazen cuirass, whilst thy arm 
Is segis of defence ! Who stands so safe ? 
Let heavens roar : I so can stand the storm ! 

Ceyx. Thou art a subtle flatterer to hold 

The noose of love ! Draw it, my sweet, for in 

Its tanglement I feel but pressured bliss ! 

That 'tis the moorings of my destiny 

That anchor here my ship in sea of love, 

Where all that wish may crave is so at hand. 

That naught can fail accomplishment which want 

In its endeavor may call forth as need ! [Exeunt. 



H ALCYONE. 333 

\_Enier ^OLUS with restless stride.] 
^OLUS. Surely some fault is here ! Else why these shades? 
These tremblings of the earth ? the warning flash 
Of Elements disturbed ? the thunderbolt 
Of Zeus? The hag was right and wiser she 
Than I! Fool, to have so deceived myself! 
Presaged prophetic Proteus naught? Shame ! Shame ! 
This Eros hath a tool in ^olus 
And uses him to puppet deeds of love ! 
So much for whim of childishness ! I am 
Dishonored in mine nge and gods would scorn 
Him ever held in high esteem, since now 
The fool is cropped to show the doting dunce ! — 
The youths have been deceived, or all they told 
Me not — and what they left untold hath swelled 
To heaven high ! Alack-a-day, that I 
Should be deceived and that my child should fall 
Into displeasure of the gods, and so 
To marry thus! What meant the frown of Hesperus? 
Blood-cast his eye ? Is Ceyx, too, disowned ? 
The father gave no sancti(m to the nuptials of 
His son ! Mine was their only blessing there — 
Save benediction of this headstrong Love ! 
Poseidon may indeed be wroth, in that 
The earth did quake, while angry waters hissed 
The moment that my daughter was bestowed ! 
Whence came the thunder-flash of Zeus? and what 
Hath he in grievance here to say ? As friend 
I held him, and as friend he should have joined. 
As friend ! The soul of friendship is in name ; 
Its deed an idle vaunt that never pays 
The usance of its claim, — unless its speech 
Be taken coin of promise, so to pay 
Another promise with! — Old Nereus, too. 
Hath shown authority ! — Old Nereus who 
Was ever dull and never knew offence ! 



334 HALCYON E. 

Now hath he caught the rage of daughters wild ? 
And will the "Calm" of Sea hence be the "Roar" ?- 
But Hymen ! Hymen ! god of marriage ! 
Why cam'st thou not, when all awaited thee ? 

daughter mine ! enshrouded in the veil 
Arachne wove, meant it the shroud of death? 
Thy bridal but the nuptials of the grave? 
Ill-omened veil ! infected art thou in 

Thy meshes with the fate of her that spun thee? 
And shall my child, my beauty's star, destined, 

1 thought, to move upon man-trodden earth 
The gladsome light of those about, — because 
She hath some grace of thee, or yet, because 
She hath essayed to taste the sweets of life, 
Feel thus the smite of Fate, or vengeful God ? — 
But, Hymen ! Hymen ! why didst thou not come ! 
Most direful was thy absence, for saith not 

The prophecy, " Beware the nuptials where 
The god of marriage halteth not?" Then woe 
Is this, for at the mating came he not ! 

[He wanders to the cave : the Sibyl appears.'] 
Sibyl. Come, ^olus, beware ! My words were true ? 

jEolus. Go to, thou hag! thou hideous hag, go to ! 
Let me not see thy cursed face again ! 
Wast instrumental now to bring this on ? 
My hands were ready then for deeds of hate ! 
Oh, I could tear thy very tongue from out 
Thy lying throat to feed it to my wrath I 
I '11 teach thy lips to con deceitful lies 
To wreck the fortunes of love's happiness ! 
Is not the world asylum now for fools ? 
Are not the fools the offspring of deceit. 
That cheers or frightens with the vane of time, 
Which veers and changes with each passing breeze ? 
And wilt thou furnish breath of ill report 



H ALCYONE. 835 

To fix the barb to point the way of gloom? 
Away with thee, or Zeus will know thee not 
When I am done with thee I My Winds shall blow 
Thy fragments to remotest parts of earth ! 

Sebyl. Now why upbraid me, King? Did I do wrong 
In telling thee the truth? What thou thyself 
Knew not ? Alack the day, indeed, when Truth 
Must give apology for speaking truth ! 
My mission was of love ; to so avert 
The ills I knew would fall upon the lives 
Of those esteemed of worth. Thou scorned me then, 
Thou scornest me now : conceit would ever hide 
Within itself, fearing the glass of fact ! 

^OLUS. Avaunt, thou thing ! I'll have no more of thee! 
My patience is full tried ! I may forget 
Restraint and rend thee ere I counsel well! 
There are enough ill-omened tongues to speak 
The death of love and faith, turn pleasures of 
The brightest day to pangs of darkest night, 
And cast the heaven of our hopes in pits 
Of dark despair, ere torch of truth be seen ! 
Do n't think thou hast within thy grasp the truth 
Of all the world, since gloomy is thy speech, 
For truths sometimes are light, while lies are dark 
As Erebus with marks of craven cares ! 

Sibyl. Ha! ha! My dart is lodged! I speak the truth, 
No matter what its shade! 'Tis strange to thee, 
I know, but conscience hath apology 
For such enlightenment! Ha! ha! Enough! 
Attend me when thou wouldst become more wise ! 
I 'm glad to find a pupil apt as thou ! 
I'll teach thee with much care! Ha! ha! ha! ha I 

^OLUS. I '11 teach thee with much care to hold thy tongue, 
Or live example of its freest use 1 



33« 



HALGYONE. 



j He makes a catch for her, but she eludes and flees into her cave, laugh- 
ing scornfully.^ 

She's gone! Her feet are nimble as her tongue, 

And 'bout as lying, too, since age would mark 

Her feeble grown ! Lo ! hear the cursed voice? 

It sports upon the air as puflf of sand 

In whirlwind, and its tone is elfish, too! 

This Prophecy is mother of Deceit, 

And hath as consort coarse-mouthed Mockery, 

Whose oracles are baseless as the lie 

Of all its set decrees and laws of fate! 

\^A fountain springs up in his path.'] 

A Voice. Open floodgates in thy sprays, 

Fountain wraith; 
Let thy Nymphs through water ways 
Come and teach him who betrays 
Trust imposed in him, the stays 
Duty would encompass strays — 

Teach him faith ! 
Open floodgates in thy sprays, 

Fountain wraith ! 

Splashing in thy waters now. 

Are the nymphs; 
With their wildest leaps they bow, 
And the bubbling billows plow ; 
Much of ill and ruth, I trow. 
Must their patience here allow — 

But not shrimps! 
Splashing in the waters now. 

Are the nymphs ! 

Nymphs. Great King of Wind and Storm, 
Now give us heed ; 
We come to speak of harm 
And of the deed 



H ALCYONE. 337 

That angered hath our master that his meed 
Should find reward from thee in such a deed ! — 
Great King of Wind and Storm, 
Now give us heed. 

Poseidon now would speak 

A word or two ! 
The nymphs he loved to seek, 
Now him would sue ; 
And so before him stand the weeping crew, 
With importunities which he will do! — 
Poseidon now would speak 
A word or two ! 

-^OLUS. Speak not to me your grievauces; and tell 
Poseidon so. My duty is to mine, 
And them I first obey, smoothing the way 
Of life as best I can that they may stumble not 
In traipsing youth and age. Fools, why should I 
Befear me of the things of which ye speak ? 
Am I a god ? or am I mortal grown 
To be now frightened with the cry of hate, 
That vulture-like Avould feed upon my faith ? 
Begone ! Let daughters of old Nereus find 
Fit consorts for themselves: — which will, I'm sure, 
Be greater fools than habit mortal frames! 
If great Poseidon now hath set you on. 
He will lament in having angered me! 
I'll wrack his watery throne till he will cry 
For peace ! Go tell your master so ! Begone ! 

\^He leaves them, moving on towards the sea. 
Cursed be these thoughts! My mind misgives me so! 

[^The Sea is full o/GoDS and Nymfhs. riding upon thejivavesj] 
Chortts. Our God Supreme is angry now ! 
Who can his anger here ignore ? 
The fool will let his folly bow 
His head to so receive the blow ! 
Can ^olus so foolish grow? 
23 



338 H ALCYONE. 

Poseidon is a mighty god, 

And God of Winds can never know 

What power waits upon his nod, 
Till he shall feel the heavy blow 

Of that god's fell and chastening rod ! 

Earthquakes he starts and fearful roars 
That set the waters mad with fright ; 

And rushing waves dash on the shores 
Of every land, in saddest plight ; 
So leaving ail in anger dight ! 

These isles of Liparfe he 'd sink 
Far down within the ocean's deep ; 

And toppling, too, upon the brink 
Their God of Winds would fall — to sleep!—- 

The deeper waves would give him drink! 

-^OLUS. What mean ye all ? and what is this ye speak? 
I am aweary grown with all the noise ! 
My head doth feel chaotic as the Night 
That throbbed Titanomachia's advent. 
When boding dream tormented thoughts of Time, 
And so evolved the offspring of Despair ! 
If phantoms of my fear are ground'd in truth, 
And misery is so in store for me, 
Bespeak it now and hold the tongue henceforth-! 

Proteus. It pleases us, great king, to see thee come 
With willing ear to hear report of truth ! 
Thy daughter and her consort have the gods 
Distressed. Old Nereus finds a broken trust 
In payment of his care, who, lending help 
To Ceyx, in the faith that he would use 
It to the end the purpose called, was so 
Chagrined when son of Hesperus denied 
The obligation thus imposed and scorned 



H ALCYONE. 839 

To fill the mi!>sion of his voyage west. 

The ship and crew, the troop of daughters, too, 

Called for no end like this; therefore the god 

Is wroth ! His daughters are the loved of all 

The sea, from Dolphin to Poseidon great ; 

And so the strength of this, with beauty's charms, 

Have made them powerful within this realm. 

Poseidon then, when Amphitrite came 

With grievances at heart, called out his host, 

And bade them succor her at any cost — 

Though thou and thine be swallowed in the wave ! 

Nereides are so beloved by him ! 

And Hesperus is angry now because 

The son he trusted so hath broken trust 

With him. Much hung upon the message sent 

To Atlas and Hesperia, and that 

The word was never borne is fault enough 

For anger and distress: and Hera, too, 

Is wroth, since nuptial gift to Zeus 

And her is so exposed! Our anger is 

Our fealty to gods above us here ! 

^OLUS. And I am answered ! Ye may go your ways ! 

\_He turns, retracing his steps to the Castle. 
All gloomy now and darkened is thy pile ! 
And like a spectre thou doth stand back-ground' d 
In night ! A tomb thou art of love and dream, 
And not a home of cheer to love and me ! 
Thy wake I'll keep, and like a vigil sharp, 
I'll descant on the shadows as they pass. 
And call the watches till the light doth come ! — 
But never comes the light of hope again, 
If presage of the gods are half but true ! — 
My Halcyone ! 0, my love ! Thy love 
Hath brought a gloom I see not through, hath turned 
The cheer that should have blessed this time into 
Wild grief and gloom and tempest yet of thought ! 

[Exit. 



340 HALCYON E. 

Scene VI. — Still the Castle grounds. 

\_The Winds moan ruefully and the shy is hung with gloom. Enter 
Clauthmos and Claumone.] 

Clauthmos. Let the drizzle, sobbing drizzle 
Of the mist, come with the whistle 
Of the wind that speaks of gloom ! 
Over yonder in the heavens darkly clouds are hanging low. 
And the mother of the rain-drop is there brooding with the snow ; 
Bringing earthward flaky feathers — eider of the skyey breast ; 
Wrapping as with shroud and cerement all the world doth here 
invest ! 

Whistle, Winds, oh howl and bluster ! 
Patter, rain, oh patter, splatter ! 
Break the heavens with the clatter 
Of some dark, impending doom ! 
Here within the wold of Sorrow hath the soul no need to borrow 
Grief, or pain, or naught of all thy bluster! 

Claumoke. Let the tear-drop softly trickle ; 

For the soul is yet as fickle 

As thy elements, O Change ! 
Ever in the Tempest raging is the spirit of the Storm ; 
And the bosom pent is bursting with the cry of wild alarm ; 
For the world is full of sinners and the heart is full of hate, 
And the tear-drop is the token of the sympathy of Fate ! 

Rattle, Storm; thy forces muster ! 

Scatter rain-drops ; scatter, spatter ! 

Tempest tossed, what does it matter 

Why it came, or what its range ? 
Here within the heart of Sorrow, what of all thy grief to. borrow, 
Since weeping comes without thy roar or bluster? 

Clauthmos. Sister, we have much to grieve for ! 
Storm and Tempest have we seen ; 
Much that Hate would have a need for 
In bewildering what hath been 
Bright within the hour of sin ! 



H ALCYONE. U\ 

Claumone. Comes our father with sad gestures ; 
Dark and gloomj'' is his brow ! 
In the wood he now sequesters ; 
Liking place to thoughts, I trow ! 
We will brook displeasure now ! 

[Enter the Wind God.] 
./EoLUS. Whence are my people ? Where is all the cheer 
That once surrounded me, that I am left 
Without consoler now? Hath fickle friend 
So borrowed fickleness of love, they both 
To flee on wings of Plutus in my fortune's flight ? 
When ills are bred they teem as maggots in 
Some rot, filling the world with gad-flies full 
Of buzz and sting ! — Oh ! woe is me, a god ! 

Claumojste, O father! thou great king of Elements, 
Whose hand doth hold unruly Winds in place, 
And maketh them the servants of a nod ; 
Whose soul is change, and every scudding cloud 
Directeth in the sky — the Calm and Storm, 
Thy smile and frown, — show pity for the tears 
Of thy poor weeping child! Her grief thou canst 
Assuage. So full the earth with gruesome sights, 
My fear holds bated breath, anticipating ills, - 
Which surely must soon fall upon the heads 
Of all offenders and protectors 'like! 
My sister hath stirred evil in the hearts 
Of gods, and nymphs as well ; and must we share 
Displeasure now in shielding her, and him. 
Perhaps, more deep in wrong than she? — the youth 
She saved from malice of the nymphs ? What pain 
Have I, and brother here, now given thee 
That thou shouldst so despise our peace and cheer 
In bringing sigils of some hate to Avreck ? 
Let not the evils fall upon our heads, 
father dear ; for grief we have enough 
To move poor Pity's heart, without this last! 



342 H ALCYONE. 

Clauthmos. Dark like shadows of remorse, 
They have come our way across, 
Bringing with the gruesome night, 
Much that can the soul affright ; 
Heaping ills upon the head 
Of the living, of the dead, 
Rousing souls to sense of fright, 
Brooding darkly in the light, — 
Goblins seen on every hand 
Sporting wild, without command ; 
And the pastimes that were dear, 
Are the antics now of fear ! 
Friend bereft and pleasures gone, 
Leaving heart in gloom forlorn ! — 
Such the aspect, such the state, 
Such the wish and will of Fate 
Meted to the lovers here : — 
Prospect to them is most drear ! 
Father, in thy wisdom now, 
Wilt thou further this allow ? 

iEoLUS. Ye are unmindful children and have brought 
Much of this on yourselves! My sunlight child, 
Fair Halcyone, should have had more cheer 
On her return : a welcome that would plead 
With gods as tongue of eloquence in mouth 
Of love and friendship, gaining thus esteem 
By fellowship in cause. Instead, your whims 
And bickerings made bad that cause before 
Tribunals high, that waited fair indorsements from 
Their friends of earth. Ye have your just deserts! — 
But she, my favored one : — Oh, what a life 
Of woe now stretcheth out to thee and thine ! 

{Enter Achlys.J 
AcHLYS. In the womb of gloomy Night 
I was born, 
Frailest child of Nyx, I might 
Feel the scorn 



H ALCYONE. 343 

That the world bestows the wight 

All forlorn! 
Sympathy I have not found 

In this life ! 
All the seasons I am bound 

Up in strife, — 
Misery I am, profound, 

As the wife ! 
Changeful as thy name, thy creed, 

Haughty King ! 
What is now thy faith, indeed. 

May take wing, 
And the morrow see the need 

Of the thing! 
Welcome I did not thy child 

Yesterday ; 
And my reason was a-wild. 

Did ye say ? 
Then the presage true was mild : — 

How now, pray ? 
Wisdom is in seeing much 

In the least: 
If thou couldst have witnessed such 

At the feast. 
As the sight I saw, — this touch 

Were for beast ! 
Warning take, and send adrift 

Now the youth. 
Lest the heavens frown and shift 

Deeper ruth ! 
Thou misfortunes can not lift 

Now, forsooth! 
Owest thou the other child 

More than these ? 
Darest thou the things so wild 

Just to please 
Those that leave thy house defiled? 
Passion's lees? 



344 H ALCYONE. 

^OLUS. Will no one speak defence for my poor child? 
Unhappy day thou wast conceived, love ! 
Unhappy day thou wast brought forth to grace 
A wicked world, the sunlight of thy countenance 
To fall in shadows of the scudding clouds 
That hang misfortune's brow in gloom ! 
Oh false the hand of Heaven which bestowed 
That sign of light and love, since it hath brought 
Instead of peace, grief all unspeakable ! 
Thy smile hath proven snare to happiness, 
That won for thee a heart which so won thine 
To lot of misery! Thy mother scorns 
The thing she travailed here ! Thy brother and 
Thy sister, too, pray evils on thy head ! 
Whilst I, alone, have all the world to face 
In thy defence, — though heart of thee is pure ! 

\_Enter Messenger,] 
Messenger. King of Winds and Storm, I pray, 
Listen to me here to-day ! 
Message bring I and a truce :— 
Listen to the will of Zeus ! 
Word hath come to him that thou 
Doth an enemy allow 
In thy fold to him and thee :— 
Such a thing must never be ! 
Son of Hesperus is here. 
Him they sent with message drear 
To the Islands in the sea 
Where the Golden Apples be, 
Telling Atlas and the maids, 
Of approaching thefts and raids, 
Wherein all the fruit so prized 
Would be snapped ere realized ! 
Since the youth hath proven false 
To the trust imposed, and lost 
Nuptial gift, it will him cost 



H ALCYONE. 345 

Friendship of the gods— and halse! 
Harbor therefore not the youth ! 
Let him feel the sting of ruth! 
So in council sat the gods ; 
In agreement were their nods! 
Doom was so pronounced on him, — 
Hanging only on a whim 
Some expressed that he might change 
And correct his conduct strange. 

[Enter Nephos.] 
Nephos. Now wilt thou listen, King of Storm, 
Unto the ravings of a loon ? 
And turn thy friendship all so soon 
To hate and what can blast and harm? 

The youths deserve more at thy hand ! 
And if they have indeed done wrong, 
It was because their love was strong, 

Their will too weak to such command ! 

Clauthmos. Oh listen not to him, great king! 
He always sees the brighter side ! 
He caps the crest of every thing, — 
But crown as tongue, has often lied ! 

Above his folds the sun may shine. 

Whilst yet beneath the gloom may hide ; 

And while the heart with grief doth pine, 
He breaks to span the rainbows wide ! 

^OLUS. When cam'st thou from the gods ? 

Messenger. But now, O King. 

^oiiUS. Complaint hath then, indeed, been borne to Zeus? 

Messenger. Aye, King ; and high Olympus is aroused. 

.EoLUS. Why should I care ? This kingdom here is mine ; 
And can not I bestow upon my child 
The favor of my home but that some gods 



346 H ALCYONE. 

Of evil ease will feel distressed and beg 

I may not so bestow my favor thus, 

In pleasure to myself and mine, though naught 

But current rumor of their ill I hear ? 

Messenger. But the evil he hath done 
By his negligence, hath won 
Hate of many who can ruin ; 
And in council they are brewing 
Dark reports and conduct vile, 
That increases so their bile. 
Ye will find it hard to bear 
All the ills they '11 have ye share ! 
This the negligence hath done — 
Since the Hero's craft hath won ; — 
Atlas now upbears the dome 
That Immortals call their home : 
Him who should have been with them, — 
Is their pedestal and stem ! 
Apples of the Garden are 
Strewn abroad to stir up war; 
Dragon, too, is crushed and dead. 
And the maidens now are fled. 
Leaving "Islands of the Blest" 
Desolate, and scattered west ! 
Hesperus beholds his home 
Full of ruins, and no welcome ! 
And the curtains of the night 
He would draw to hide the sight ! 
Nuptial gift of Zeus is gone. 
And his Queen is all forlorn ; 
While Poseidon feels the rage 
Of the gods who would engage 
Any force that might defend 
Him they once did full attend ! 
Nymphs can any god provoke ! — 
Take up arms and bear their yoke ! 



H ALCYONE. 347 

Nephos. Withiu the fray thou hast already arms! 
Their wield is in behalf of those we love ! 

Bid him go speak to others his alarms : — 
Thy duty first is to those whom we love ! 
Olympian hosts are futile in their rage ; 
The Elements can well the Gods engage ! 

jEolus. Forbear thy words, good Nephos : I am done I 
I fear me I was wu-ong and should have bid 
The youth no welcome to my land ! — My love, 
"What hast thou done ? What wild temptation led 
Thee to bestow thy heart in wayward mood 
Upon the one of all who could so bring 
Remorse and sorrow in my kingdom here ? 
Alas, I love thee deep as heart can love ; 
I hold but friendship for thy lover, too, 
And him would shield against the hate of gods. 
Were hands of mine fit weapons of defence 
To use against a host of enemies ! 
But oh ! the strife that now is drawing on. 
Is too unequal in the gage ! I stand 
Alone whilst hosts innumerable oppose ! 
Poseidon's war would profit me thus much : 
I can not conquer him ; I can not by such strife 
Appease his wrath, nor so advance myself, 
Nor children's cause in favor with the rest 
Who side with him and stand opposed to me ! 
I shall alone confine myself and those » 

I love, andthose who wait on me, within 
My kingdom here, or in these castle walls, 
All prisoners that ever yet were free ! 
My Winds are valiant, faithful, strong, but they 
Can only froth his waters, or make wild 
His restless sea wherein his throne is sunk; 
Whilst he can wash away my shores and leave 
My lands all bare ! Will not the others help? 
Old Nereus and his crew, and thundering Dios ? 



348 HALCYON E. 

Oh, what a pass! my daughter! O my love ! 
If power lay with me how gladly would 
I wield it for thy good ! But yet, methinks — 
Away ! My thoughts conflicting are and dark ! 

\_Exeunt. 

SCEISTE VII. — The Castleh Corridors. 
[Enter Ceyx and Halcyone.] 
Ceyx. My love, I met a bird to-day, and he 
Did croak misfortunes in my face ; his song 
Did mimic pi'ophecy of Hate, and he 
Had caught it, so he said, from messenger 
Sti'aight from Olympian courts where that decree 
Was spoken as our doom ! I can not tell 
The words he spoke me then, so dark they were 
And full of ill to come ! I turned from him 
Of evil speech and would have come to thee. 
But beast and frightful shape debarred my way. 
Their tongues all loose and wagging of despair. 
I then beheld thy father in the glade. 
And he was grieving as his heart would break ; 
And marveled I to see a god so moved ! 
Again I thought of thee, but slaves of thine 
Despised me in their looks and gave no heed 
To any query that I put to them: 
So love found me the way to thy retreat! 
Hast heard what now forebodes the household, love ? 

Halcyone. I know no thing except thy love is mine! 
My sister and my brother weep and sigh, 
But that they often do, and their distress 
Is changeful as the sky or shifting winds ! 
My father seems disturbed and moved at that 
I know not, nor why slaves should be so rude 
And arrogant of stare with thee, my love ! 
My father will their duty teach to them 
And show them what becomes a menial's state ! 



HALCVONE. 849 

A Bird. To- whit, to-whee ! I speak decree 
Of Gods and Fates assembled free ! 
My chirps are heard? Mark then the word 
Of prophecy in speech of bird ! 
Dark is the gloom and sure the doom 
Tlie Fates have said ! To you a tomb 
Will surely stand within a land 
Of barren waste and drifting sand ! 

Another Bird. Now is n't this quite witty, 
My simple little ditty 
That speaks of Ruth and Folly wed in love ? 
'Tis truly now a pity 
That Truth should be so chitty 
To tell the mighty 
And the flighty, 
And the cooing lovers here. 

Of the gloomy shaking, quaking, 
Sad decree of mighty fear? 
When my little ditty, ditty 
Would have chirped no pity, jiity 
To the lovers or their love ! 
Or their joyful peace and cheer I 

\_Enter Slave.~\ 
A Slave. Mistress, I am come to tell 
Thee that Wisdom deems it well 
To thy love thou say'st " farewell! " 
Come away, and bid him go 
To some other rocky shore 
Where his ills none there will know ! 
Evil hath he brought to thee ; 
Full the land of misery, 
And of rage the mighty sea ! 
Come, I pray ! Oh, bid him go ! 
Let thy servants show him no 



350 HALCYON E. 

High regard as heretofore ! 
He hath left thy heart forlorn: 
Let him feel the world's wild scorn ! 

Halcyone. Hold ! Who hath sent thee here with such a 
speech ? 
Is any one within this land so base ? 
Who knows no law of hospitality, 
And what is due, though enemy were guest? 
And such a speech to one who is beloved 
By rulers of the land deserves the scourge 
Of Eage laid on with Fury's hand! Away ! . 
Go hide thyself until my father comes ! 

The Bied. To-whee ! to-whee ! to-whee ! 
Away ! hence ! flee ! 
Now isn't it grand to be 
Mistress of slaves like we? 
My heart is full of glee ■ 
Beholding all I see ! 
To-whee ! to-whee ! to-whee ! 

Ceyx. Perhaps thy slave is right, my lost, my own ! 
I've felt within my heart a nameless dread 
Ere this, that fortune was too good to last ; 
Too sweet to yet be true! that all were sure 
A dream from which I would awake to find 
Thee, vapor of a thought the heart hath stirred 
Within the brain ! I am prepared for this! 
I am prepai-ed to meet the rage of all. 
And be dispelled to darkness of the night! 
I am prepared ! — but let me carry thence 
An image of thyself unmarked with grief, 
To buoy me in the darker hours of life! 

[Enter JEo'LVB.'] 
^OLUS. 'Tis strange that here within my land no peace 
I find ! I thought myself a ruler once, 



H ALCYONE. ■ 851 

One having sway of power and the will 

Of King to force the draught of Pleasure's meed! 

But now a chalice filled with dregs of hate 

Is at my lips, and Fate would have me driuk ! 

How soon a day may cloud though all so fair, 

And breath that fanned the cheek with loving sigh, 

Changed to the bluster and the roar of Storm ; 

So biting thus the very thing it kissed! — 

My child, thy star of destiny is set! 

It sank 'mid clouds and gloom ! Thou didst not see 

It rise ; what heralded its dawn ! It sprang 

Full in its zenith and its flash left Orb 

Of Day within the nadir of despair, 

Seeking to here eclipse the new-born light! 

It came a nucleus of much light ; it bore 

A coma of some joy divine, we thought, — 

But yet a shroud to trail it till it sunk, 

Then wrap it in the folds of colder death ! 

Thy birth was one of light, for 'mid the gloom 

That hung maternity within my realm, 

Thou cam'st a ray of sweet serenity. 

Presaging the advent of calm and peace! 

Thy childhood gave the promise fairest hope. 

And youth did flash into a smile of cheer 

When ripples of thy laughter broke the still 

Of gloomy thoughts that filled the heart of Storm! 

I smiled upon thy wishes when a child, 

And bade my household wait upon thy glance. 

And lent mine ears to prayers of love when youth 

Had blushed the bud of womanhood and stood 

Full blown ! I did o'erreach my limit so. 

And tempted Fates who set the world's decrees ! 

I listened to the cry of love and did 

As he desired ; and lo ! have broixght despair 

And death within my realm; and threatened war 

My force can not oppose ! Olympian Gods 



352 HALCYON E. 

Revile me for my childishness, and bid 
Me now reform and send adrift the youth 
Of all complaint, or else hence stand their arms 
In unity and strength which will in battle join ! 

Halcyone. O father! father! bid the gods forbear! 
They can not justly blast the happiness 
Of any mortal who doth live in grace 
Of their own gift of life ! It is no fault 
Of mine that I do love my Ceyx ; it is 
No fault of his that he should feel some love 
For me ; for Eros holds the darts of love 
And by the chance shot of his bow they lodge, 
Uniting so affections of the hearts 
Of those set purpose can not overcome ! 
What wise decree would have us love, then break 
Our hearts in breaking bonds of love? Not gods. 
But hate of all the gods would so decree ! 
Bid them forbear, and I will add my prayers 
With thy demand, and dight myself in shreds 
Of all their rage if such humility 
Can so appease the anger of such gods ! 

^OLUS. My daughter, thou had stirred me with thy cause 
Anew, were not destruction now within my land 
Awaiting but the word to all destroy ! 
What right the Gods have to forbid thy banns, 
I can not see, else confirmation had 
Forever waited on my sanction's word ! 
'T is done, however, and the day is full , 

Of omens dark ; and dreadful is the doom 
Impending all, if cause of all remain ! 

Ceyx. Good ^olus, I will not break the cloud 
Of dark misfortune to deluge thy land ! 
I will away ! I knew not that my stay 
Were cause for such a storm of wild unrest; 



H ALCYONE. 853 

That I had angered gods to that extent — 
Oblivious so within my soul's sweet love, 
Of any deed of trespass or of breach 
That I had made in the decrees of gods! 
I dreamed my little hour in thy land 
Unfretted by the ghouls of any hate ; 
I basked within the smile of such a love 
That were enough to hide the shades without, 
That so would stalk within a soul's unrest! — 
And such excuse is all I have to give 
For my disturbance of your gracious realms ! 
Thou hast been kind, and I have proved ingrate, 
Eepaying hospitality with hate 
Of fierce, revengeful gods who grievance hold 
'Gainst me ! Bid me but go, and I am gone. 
Though heart I pluck from bosom here to leave 
It thee as token of a love forlorn ! 

jEolus, Thou art a victim of poor Folly's rage ! 

My heart is touched for thee — thee and my child ! 
And I had hoped to see ye blessed in love ! 
The dream is passed ! reality is here, 
And with it is the clamor of the gods. 
That come full armed to do the deeds of threat, — 
If I but bid thee stay ! My coward course 
Is now to bid thee gone : but futile strength 
Is plea for such a course ! for this, my realm, 
Is sacred to my care and first in my defence! 
Forbear me shame of speaking plainer words, 
And deem me now as having said "Farewell" ! 

\_Exeunt ^OLUS, Slave, etc. 

[ Weeping, Ceyx and Halcyone fall into each others arms.'] 

Ceyx. Sweet Halcyone, thou hast heard ! So fair 
Hath been my dream ; so cruel now its dark 
Awakening ! Thou cam'st a light, sweet, 
Warm in thy love, to blossom here the bud 
24 



354 H ALCYONE. 

Of hope that grew up with my life ! The bloom 

'Of yesterday is faded now and dead ! 

A withered stem alone to bear out there 

Within the heartless world where I must go, 

The mark of thy companionship and love! 

But clustered round that withered stem shall be 

In memory ever dear, an image of that self 

Which there once all so sweetly clung, alive, 

To kiss as in undying radiance so. 

The thoughts of thee ! We dreamed! Our dream was brief ; 

But not so brief but that its sweetness will 

Forever live with me to light the gloom 

And future darkness of my life ! We thought 

Of much to come : of brilliant scenes, of hearts 

Content — but not of this! O Fate! what have 

We done? How angered thee and broken set 

Decree of thy fiat? — 'Tis I, alone, 

This anger roused ! I that have brought the wrath 

Of gods upon this land and thee; I that 

Inflict the sight of heaven and am lot 

Of woe and bitter curse ! Alack-a-day ! 

It does not end with me ! My pestilential self 

Hath set abroad the breath of hate to blight 

And scourge ! I have so made thee suffer pain 

That was my due alone ! I 've led thy trust 

Into a tanglement of doubts and stings ! 

I've coaxed thy heart into my keeping here 

Only to pierce its quick with woe of mine ! 

But Halcyone, in thy love forget! 

Let time but heal the wound that I have made, 

And I will bless its cares and think some good 

Doth yet remain to me! Thy sire hath said 

That I must go ; that thou art mine no more — 

The forfeit Duty holds of Misery ! 

So go I must alone ! But in my absence, dear. 

Which shall, I fear, be all for aye — wilt thou 

Remember me as one who meant no harm 



HALCYONE. 365 

To thee, but by his love so stumbled once, 
Dragging thee to his hapless lot? Let some 
Sweet pity plead excuse when I am gone ! — 
When I am gone ! O heavens! must I leave 
My love behind? The sweetest thing of life 
Turn to my back as though repugnant grown ? 
Oh grief! Oh grief ! Oh me! — Yes, I must go ! 
Must leave thee for thy father's fitter love! — 
I can not weigh my claim 'gainst his! My life 
Is one of misery; his all of cheer — 
Were I but out his land! The sacrifice 
Is all too great ! — I have not served thee right ! 
Excuse is in my love ! Accept it, sweet, 
And bid me now "Farewell" and heaven's speed! 

Halcyone. And thou so meanly now regardeth me ! 
Think'st that I wed the fortune of thy smile? 
Thy sorrow would divorce to all its pain ? 
Oh, I believed thou gavest me better faith ! 
What is my home ? what is my father's love ? 
What now is all the world compared to thee ? 
Rememb'rest thou the words that made me thine? 
The subtile speech that fused two hearts in one ? 
Knowest not that Eros spoke unto our Souls? 
That now before the Gods on High, the Shades 
Beneath, the face of Honor's truest self, 
We stand as one, to thrive or fall as such ? 
Oh, bate me not for want of sympathy 
And due obedience to thy poor need! 
Thy trials will I share; thy fortune seek 
Improve ; with thee my duty is, and there 
Will I be found!— and this is my "Fareivell!" 

Ceyx. But hast thou looked the dangers over that 
Must hence beset my way? The ills and stings, 
And nettles grown of hate which angry gods 
Will hem me with, or goad me to the end ? 
There are wild seas that lie before me now. 



356 H ALCYONE. 

And trackless woods with many dangers full, 
The which I must traverse ere I can reach 
The land I call my home !— my kingdom, where 
Some welcome is, and peace and sweetest rest ! 

Haloyone. So much that says that I must go with thee! 
Now were thy journey one of peace, what need 
Of comforter? My love, I go with thee! 

Ceyx. So be it then ! Our fates are one, and we 
Will bear the burden so, faring as best 
We can ! — The Woods now stretch their shadows forth 
As garments of the Night in which to hide ; — 
And there we will, from eye of who pursues ! 

Halcyone. Farewell, my childhood's home ! 

Here have I spent the charms of all my youth ! 

Here chased the joys that flitted company ; 

Here chased the shadows in my childish glee 

That were to others born ! — to me no ruth 

Brought tear-drop to mine eye : for I from such was free !- 

I had not tasted then what now is come ! 

Farewell, my childhood's home ! 
The bliss that I have known within thy ways, 
The moments spent in idleness so sweet, 
Will help to buoy me when wild griefs I meet ; 
And darkest hours will thy remembered days, 
Full of their cheer, light up ; and recollection sweet 
Will cast a halo round the head of gloom ! 

Farewell, my childhood's home ! 
I leave thee with regret of what thou art ; 
Since changed so from the pristine glow of youth, 
Thou art no longer full of peace, forsooth ! 
But hate and gloom have taken here a part 
To fill beloved bounds with scorn and wilder ruth 
That bid farewell and send me out to roam ! 
And so farewell for aye, my childhood's home ! 

\_Exeunt. 




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